Former Health Minister hopeful over new unit

The Lagan Valley MLA said he remains “very hopeful” that the minor injuries unit proposed for the Lagan Valley Hospital will still happen, in spite of similar facilities being closed elsewhere.

“Minor injuries units have proven to be a real asset to the health service, the numbers using Armagh did not justify its retention and the proximity of Ards minor injuries to Bangor made it likely that they would be amalgamated at some point, however the facility in Dungannon has proved extremely popular and provides an excellent service to the community in South Tyrone,” said Mr Poots.

“Lagan Valley on its merit could be equally as popular especially as it has the A&E Department throughout the week, the Minor Injuries Unit is much more likely to attract users thus keeping those who don’t need emergency care out of Emergency Departments.

“Along with our MP Jeffrey Donaldson, I and DUP colleagues will be meeting the Chief Executive of the South Eastern Trust Hugh McCaughey to discuss matters pertaining to the Lagan Valley Hospital on Monday.

“I better than most know the pressures the South Eastern Trust are under, and had warned back in August that if funding wasn’t received massive cuts in service would be the outcome.

“Thankfully some money came through but not enough to avert service reduction.

“We will continue to articulate what is a very powerful case for high quality healthcare in the Lagan Valley area which is targeted mainly at chronic illness and on that can meet the needs of the vast majority of residents.”

Last week the South Eastern Trust insisted that the opening of the minor injuries unit at the Lagan Valley A&E department was still part of the vision for the future of the Lisburn hospital.

The Assistant Director of Medicine, Karen McIlveen, said the Trust was disappointed at having to take the decision but that the opening of the Minor Injuries Unit remained an integral part of the plan for the future of the Lisburn hospital.

“The reason unfortunately we weren’t able to go forward with the Minor Injuries Unit at the moment was because it would be wrong to start a new service that we don’t yet have full funding for when we are making cuts elsewhere,” said Mrs McIlveen.

“Staff have been told this is a temporary arrangement but as yet we don’t have details on how long it will be before the unit can be opened.

“We hope to have it open as soon as possible but we still have to work through our finances and find significant savings.

“The Minor Injuries Unit will not be forgotten about and it is a very significant part of the future of the Lagan Valley Hospital. This is only a temporary arrangement.”