Council calls for answers over A&E cuts

LISBURN City Council is seeking an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health Trust amid claims they were not properly informed about plans to close the casualty unit at the Lagan Valley at night because of a shortage of junior doctors.

At a Council meeting on Tuesday night, just hours after it was confirmed the unit would be shut from 8pm to 9am every night, members of the Corporate Services Committee said that when they met senior Trust officials last week they were told of staffing difficulties - but not about any immediate plans to close A&E overnight.

But, they said, just 24 hours later it was revealed that was exactly what was to happen.

However, a Trust spokesperson said at the meeting senior managers had spelled out exactly what could happen.

“Charlotte McArdle (Director of Primary Care, Older People & Executive Director of Nursing) made specific and detailed reference to recruitment difficulties and the likelihood of failing to fill the posts would result in reduced hours at the Emergency Department in Lagan Valley Hospital” the spokesperson said.

The decision to cut the opening hours at the A&E to 9am-8pm from next Monday (August 1) brought united condemnation from councillors.

Members demanded to know why the shortage of trained staff has been allowed to occur.

The chairman of the Corporate Services committee, Councillor Stephen Martin, said of the meeting with the Trust last week:

“They made no mention of the imminent reduction. We were assured this was an issue they were working very hard on and that no decision would be taken on the opening hours at the hospital.

“Staff, in particular, were not officially told until today (Tuesday). They were completely unaware and when they approached their managers were assured that what was in the press was not an accurate scenario. I’m genuinely astonished.”

Mr Martin continued: “What happens when a constituent arrives at the door at ten past eight? Are they to be told to go elsewhere? I am extremely concerned about the long-term viability of the A&E.”

Mr Martin proposed a special meeting be called with the Trust Chief Executive and/or a senior manager. Alderman Jonathan Craig suggested the Chief Executive and/or a senior manager from the NI Ambulance Service be invited to the meeting to discuss how the changes will affect that service.

Mr Martin added: “I would ask the Council to consider taking what is a very pro-active step and engaging with the Trust, showing constituents that we have their back and ensuring the long-term viability of the hospital.”

Councillor Pat Catney also expressed his concerns about last week’s Corporate Services meeting.

“At that meeting I said I believed the decision was already made; I was told it was not. I did ask them that question directly and was told there was no decision made” he said.

The proposal received unanimous support from each Council member and each party, and Alderman Paul Porter encouraged the Council to fight for “the best services” for local constituents.

Responding to the claims a Trust spokesperson said: “The meeting was attended by Charlotte McArdle, Director of Primary Care, Older People & Executive Director of Nursing along with John Simpson, Director of Planning, Information & Performance Management and two other senior managers.

“Mrs McArdle made specific and detailed reference to recruitment difficulties and the likelihood of failing to fill the posts would result in reduced hours at the Emergency Department in Lagan Valley Hospital. Mr Simpson also discussed the matter and referred members of the Corporate Committee to the Minister’s statement dated 7 July 2011 which stated: ‘I have been made aware of anticipated shortages of junior doctors in the service form the beginning of August with specific pressures facing the A&E units. I have asked the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) to work with all Trusts to examine the pressures being faced and ensure that the best possible contingency plans are in place to ensure A&E units remain safe and effective.’

“This matter was so specifically referenced that the Trust would feel certain that this discussion would be contained within the minutes of the meeting.”

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