‘Business as usual’ for Health and Social Care during G8 Summit

Health and Social Care organisations are working with statutory partner organisations including the PSNI, Local Government, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to help ensure that during the G8 Summit there will be minimal disruption and it will be ‘business as usual’ where possible within health and social care across Northern Ireland.

The public should continue to access their local primary care services such as their GP Practice, Out of Hours GP Urgent Care service, dental and pharmacy services in the normal way.

Similarly, hospital services including Emergency Departments and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service will be operating as usual.

Given the significant number of visitors to the Fermanagh area over the 2 days and the increased level of security that will be in place, the Western Health and Social Care Trust will not be scheduling no-emergency elective surgery or non emergency Out-Patient Clinics. Non-emergency patients will be offered appointments immediately prior to or after the 2 day summit and the Trust will ensure that waiting time targets are maintained.

Community care services such as provided by care workers to older people in their homes and community meals will continue to be provided. Health and Social Care organisations are working to help ensure that during the G8 Summit there will be minimal disruption.

However, given the additional visitors to Northern Ireland for this major event, it is recommended that patients allow extra travelling time – particularly in Fermanagh, Belfast and the vicinity of the International Airport - when attending their GP, dental or hospital appointment.

A significant amount of planning has been undertaken to ensure that the local population continues to have access to appropriate healthcare and treatment. In addition, should visitors to the area during the Summit need to avail of healthcare services, arrangements are in place to direct them to the appropriate services and ensure they have a positive experience.

People living in the Fermanagh area can access local information on hospital and community care services provided by the Western Health and Social Care Trust at www.westerntrust.hscni.net

Further information on health and care services (including primary care services such as GP, Dental and Pharmacy services) is available on the Health and Social Care Board website – www.hscb.hscni.net. Information on the G8 Summit is also available at www.g8ni2013.com

For information on any public health issues, visit the Public Health Agency website at www.publichealth.hscni.net/major-events