Opening hours at Lagan Valley Hospital Urgent Care Centre to be reduced
The South Eastern Health Trust has confirmed that the opening hours of the Urgent Care department at the Lagan Valley Hospital is being reduced by two hours each day.
The Phone First Urgent Care Centre, which is normally open from 8am until 6pm will now close at 4pm.
The change, which is said to be temporary, will begin on June 15.
The Trust has said the reduction in hours is due to staff shortages at the hospital.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: “This temporary change to opening hours is due to medical workforce shortages and will be kept under review.
"The average number of daily attendances is 95 and the Trust will ensure a similar number of patients will continue to be seen every day.
"The South Eastern Trust remains committed to the Urgent Care Centre in Lagan Valley Hospital and is taking this decision to ensure that this vital service remains clinically safe and sustainable.”
Lisburn Councillor Gary Hynds, posting on social media, has said he is seeking further clarity on the change, including how long it is expected these measures will remain in place, and what impact this will have on patient access and waiting times.
He said: “The reality is that local people already face growing pressures across our health system and any reduction in access causes concern, particularly for working families and those unable to attend earlier in the day.
"I fully appreciate the pressures frontline healthcare staff are working under and the wider workforce challenges facing our health service. However, this situation again highlights the urgent need for proper reform, long-term planning and investment to protect frontline services at Lagan Valley Hospital and across Northern Ireland.
"Too often, local people are asked to accept reduced services while the wider system continues to struggle with inefficiency, bureaucracy and failures in workforce planning.
"Quite simply, this cannot continue becoming the accepted norm for communities across Northern Ireland.”
The Urgent Care Centre is a Phone First service. Patients must call before attending, to ensure they attend the right place to receive the care they need (028) 9260 4643.