Celebrating International Day of Older Persons at Lagan Valley

Health Minister Jim Wells called at Lagan Valley Hospital to mark International Older People's Day. Pictured, from left, are Roisin Coulter, planning and performance director; Pat McGeeney, occupational therapist; Dr Roberts, consultant; Dr Kelly, consultant; Jim Wells; Fenton Lyons, patient; Jane Cairns, ward manager; and Michelle McNulty, physiotherapist. US1440-528cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Ward Sister June Cairns, showcased the ward, highlighting the excellent and innovative work they have been doing in changing and adapting their services to meet the needs of older people in the area,

A total of 2,710 people over the age of 65 were admitted to a medical ward at Lagan Valley Hospital last year - 331 of them were over the age of 90.

Ward 14 is a 26-bed ward, with two consultants, Dr Rosemary Kelly and Dr Geralt Roberts, 33 nurses and physios, occupational therapists, social workers and other specialised disciplines, as required.

Until October last year it was a rehabilitation service, but due to demands on the service it has quickly changed focus to include care of frail elderly patients, targeting those in Lagan Valley over 90 and providing a comprehensive geriatric assessment.

In conjunction with the ward changing, there have also been changes to the day hospital. It has been renamed as an ambulatory care centre that can provide comprehensive assessments and treatment, in an effort to help people stay at home and avoid unnecessary hospital admission.

“The service is trying to provide an excellent service to our elderly population, and these changes have been made to react to the needs of the older population in the community, “ said Ms Cairns.

“The population in Lisburn, like anywhere, is forever growing and we are trying to meet thosse needs.

“If an older person with breathing problems comes in here during the day they can be treated in the ambulatory care centre with oxygen or physio, and then go home again, rather than end up in the Emergency Department in the middle of the night with a long wait and probable admission to hospital.”

George Johnston (86), from Finaghy, a patient at Ward 14, said he received the best of care from what he described as ‘the best of people.’

“If I need to see a specialist or anything like that the staff get it sorted,” he said.

“Doctors are very attentive and dedicated and Dr Kelly does everything to make it right. She follows up things and never goes away and forgets.”

Mrs Mena Lyons (77) whose husband is a patient said. “This ward is a shining example of how care should be for the elderly. Staff have a very much a ‘can do’ approach instead of a ‘cant don’t.’

“You like to think that once you get to a certain age you get that care you deserve and this is what Ward 14 offers you.”