Despite ops backlog Downe theatres will not be used by Trust

Despite ops backlog Downe theatres will not be used by Trust

23 January 2013

HEALTH chiefs have rejected a suggestion that the Downe Hospital should be used to ease pressure on planned surgery at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.

The idea was tabled by councillor Colin McGrath after the South Eastern Trust confirmed it has been forced to cancel around 30 routine operations a week at the Ulster due to a shortage of beds.

Councillor McGrath believes the local hospital should be used to ease the pressure on the Ulster, but Trust officials say the Downe does not have the full range of necessary acute services on site.

The Downpatrick politician said he’s “disgusted, but not shocked” at the Trust’s admission that it’s been forced to cancel operations due to a beds shortage as a result of increasing pressure on the Ulster’s accident and emergency department.

Councillor McGrath said while he appreciates the winter vomiting bug and ‘flu outbreak has exerted additional pressure on the healthcare sector, he believes this was inevitable in the wake of recent service cuts.

He continued: “We are sitting with a state-of-the-art, purpose-built hospital in Downpatrick which was designed to cope with such demands, but has simply not been given such an opportunity.

“What about patients who have waited many months, if not years on their operations to then be advised that they have been postponed. But for how long? My thoughts are also with hospital doctors, nurses and auxiliaries who have pursued their careers as they feel it to be a vocation.

“However, to have to work in such pressurised and stressful situations is having an adverse affect on the health of many,” suggested Councillor McGrath. “The South Eastern Trust must give consideration to the return of such vital services to the Downe Hospital immediately.”

A Trust spokeswoman said the organisation has stated publicly that the Ulster Hospital has a shortfall of 35 beds which has been acknowledged by the Health and Social Care Board.

She explained the number of patients requiring admission has “substantially exceeded expectations” and the Trust has taken the decision to reduce elective procedures at the Ulster — for a time limited period — to ensure emergency care is provided safely and to a high quality.

“The Trust fully appreciates the impact of this decision on individual patients and will continue to work closely with the Health Board to reduce pressure on the hospital and return to normal operating,” the spokeswoman continued.

“The Downe Hospital provides excellent care to its local population and the number of patients requiring emergency care there has also been increasing in recent weeks.

“However, the hospital does not have the full range of acute services on site and therefore would not be capable of dealing with a substantial number of the additional patients who have been admitted to the Ulster Hospital.”

The Trust spokeswoman said it has been clear for some time that there is no prospect of the full range of acute services being developed at the Downe.

She added: “Where appropriate, patients are transferred to the Downe from the Ulster Hospital and in this respect the so-called clinical network between both hospitals has worked very well. Our staff have worked tirelessly and as always are a credit to themselves and the Trust. Councillor McGrath’s support for them is greatly appreciated.”