Minor injuries unit on hold and beds closed

The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has said the nurse-led unit, due to open next month, has now been postponed, with no new date being given.

Ward 14 at Lagan Valley Hospital will also be closed on a temporary basis, meaning six beds will be lost at the local hospital until further notice.

Elective care treatments will focus on urgent procedures and there will be a reduction in domiciliary care places, with patients with the highest need being made a priority.

Staff cuts are also on the cards, with the Trust announcing nonpermanent staff reductions, overtime and vacancy control.

The Trust insists this will not be a reduction in core permanent staff but it will be a reduction in the use of agency staff.

A spokesperson for the South Eastern Trust said: “Of paramount importance is the impact of these measures on patients, clients and users of our services.

“It is clear that such plans will affect both the quality and access to some of the services provided both in the hospital environment and within community settings.

“The Trust will endeavour to mitigate the impact of these changes.

“However, we cannot prevent impact on certain aspects of service quality.

“We do not believe that the measures agreed will leave services unsafe; however, it must be highlighted that there is an increased risk which has to be managed.

“In developing contingency plans, patient and client safety was paramount.”

The Chairman of Lisburn City Council’s Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Pat Catney said he was very disappointed by the announcement by the Trust, which he said had “come out of the blue.”

He added: “The Trust cancelled their last meeting with our committee and it is very disheartening that the Lagan Valley has been hit so hard.

“This seems like crisis management and is no way to run a hospital.

“There is great uncertainty for the staff at the hospital and I hope this is only a minor blip and that the beds will be reopened and the minor injuries unit will go ahead as soon as possible.”