Trust Faces Downpatrick Over Hospital Proposals
24 June 2010 |
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Changes to disabled services and those with learning disabilities were also discussed, and like all other areas of care, the Bamford principles of ensuring maximum patient care were also explained. Desi Bannon, Trust Director of Adult Services explained that there was a need to ensure that patients and clients led a full life, with their human rights acknowledged, and given every opportunity to find a full recovery.
But the most contentious area of debate was around the delivery of Accident and Emergency services at the Downe Hospital. Facing a barrage of questions from a deeply concerned audience, Trust officials and consultants answered questions often meeting a strong dissaproval from the audience.
Seamus McGoran, Director of Hospital Services, said outwith the present proposals for change in the A & E deprtment at the Downe, there will also be in the future a wider regional review of all A & E departments. He explained that like many other hospital trusts, the Downe was operating on a quota of just 50% of its required doctors. In discussing the proposed night closures at the A & E, he explained that an estimated two patients a night may require to be referred on to the Belfast hospitals. He said categorically, "We can meet the need so 97% of the patients if we adopt this new system." He explained, "If change is not embraced, then there will be a danger that in the near future the A & E department may have to close if no doctors are available."
When the questions started coming, there was no doubt that there was a strong feeling that the local Downpatrick population were being short-changed by the Trust over their services.
Some of the comments included:
"We have the showroom but there where are the cars inside? The Down Community Health Comittee will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Trust when we see the services in Downpatrick, but there must be a good case for change presented. (Eamonn McGrady, Chairman, Down Community Health Committee).
"Why is Lagan Valley seen as the preferred option for acute psychiatric care when we have a strong tradition and expertise in Downpatrick?" (Downpatrick hospital staff ).
"The Downshire Hospital was always the centre of excellence in the past... let’s bring it back here. (Anne Trainor, Down Community Health Commitee member).
"I don’t know where I’d be without Finneston House... I was down in the gutter...my family just would not have been able to travel to Lisburn. My two children were born in the old maternity in Downpatrick and even that has closed. (Ann Davey, Downpatrick)
"Do we have no option but to travel in order to receive excellence in care? Are the Bamford principles going to follow every area of care? (Jim Mageean, Downpatrick.)
"In relation to the question, are all local GP’s going to support the A & E Out Of Hours system proposed using locums... probably not. The GP’s have not all been informed about this" (A GP)
"Why did a five year old child have to wait 47 minutes for an ambulance in Ardglass when she was knocked down by a car ? " (Helena Magee, Ardglass.)
The consultation is now running. Have your say!
Contact Details For Making Your Submission.
Programme Management Office, Ground Floor, Trust Headquarters, Ulster Hospital, dundonal, BT16 1RH.
Telephone: 028 90 564733
e-mail: consultation@setrust.hscni.net
(Read Down News for more political and community responses tomorrow.)
