Saving lives is priority - emergency chief says

In a statement Mr O’Reilly urges people to choose well before going to an Emergency Department, “As the doctor responsible for Emergency Departments in the Southern Trust, I would say that saving lives is the priority for everyone working in ED and that minor ailments such as colds, sore throats and even paper cuts do not require treatment in an Emergency Department.

“The Emergency Department in Craigavon is currently experiencing a high level of pressure.

“Over the Christmas period there was a 10 per cent increase in people attending. I think people sometimes forget that in any Emergency Department, there are people who are fighting for their lives and our staff are doing everything they can to help them. People involved in road traffic collisions, anyone with breathing difficulties, chest pains or a serious wound or limb injury all need to be our first priority.”