Re-opening the emergency department (ED) at a Co Down hospital would only “add to patient risk” and is not possible to deliver, a health chief has warned.
The claim came amid a community drive to fully reopen the Downe hospital’s A&E ward in Downpatrick.
Health campaign group the Down Community Health Committee has appealed to the public to support a petition for the restoration of the service, which has not been open since 2010.
However, medical chiefs providing an “honest and genuine” report this week to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) stated the reopening of the 24/7 A&E at the Downe would put patients at risk.
South Eastern Health and Social Trust chief executive Roisin Coulter
South East Trust chief executive Roisin Coulter said: ”You may be aware of a community group offering the public the opportunity to sign a petition that would look to have the emergency department open 24/7 at the Downe hospital.
“I think it is very important in terms of me being genuine, open and honest that the ED at the Downe hospital has not been open since September 2010, some 14 years ago.”
She added: ”We are on record saying there are no plans to reopen the 24/7 ED in the Downe and that will not be possible. Because it is totally at odds with the recommendations in the Bengoa Report. It also would not fit in with the Minister of Health (Mike Nesbitt) recently launching the reconfiguration of the hospital network in Northern Ireland.
“The model would be identical to what we have now already in the South Eastern Trust, being one major area acute hospital – the Ulster – supported by local hospitals which we have in the Lagan Valley and the Downe.
“That model is safe for patients, clinically appropriate and sustainable.
“I don’t think it is fair or appropriate to suggest to people to sign such a petition for something that is never actually possible to deliver.”
Senior emergency department consultant, Dr Andrew Dobbin said: ”The ED of a hospital is its front door and should have the expertise and capability of dealing with life threatening injuries and illness without prior appointment.
“Unfortunately, that is something that cannot be delivered on the Downe site.
“Behind an ED there is a minimum of services that need to be in place and they have never existed there… that adds to patient risk.
“Having a walk-in service ED for many reasons isn’t going to be achieved or deliverable and I appreciate your candour and support in spreading that to the locals.”
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News Catch Up: Tuesday 26th November