Trust backs 24 access at LVH and invites the people most affected to have their say

Local people have until April 18 to let the Trust know what they think of the plans but the Trust have already made clear their preferred option is to have limited opening hours at the emergency department, complemented by an enhanced out of hours GP service, which will allow for twenty four hour access at the Lisburn hospital. It would mean around 97% of those seen under the old system would still be treated in the Lagan Valley.

This option, based on the successful model operating at the Downe Hospital, was presented to the Trust Board at their meeting on Wednesday. Following a presentation by Director of Hospital Services, Mr Seamus McGoran, the Board formally accepted the proposals and agreed to begin the public consultation.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr McGoran said: “There is a good understanding amongst the public, the political world and all those interested in Lagan Valley about what we are trying to do.

“What we are trying to offer is much better than the minor injuries unit envisaged in the Developing Better Services document in 2002, It is going to keep the front door of the hospital open 24 hours a day.

“It has proved to be very successful in Downe and it will keep the hospital safe and sustainable for many years in the future,” he continued.

Mr McGoran had high praise for the staff at the Lisburn hospital and said he was confident the proposed model was workable and sustainable.

“I have been meeting with staff in recent weeks and they have been absolutely brilliant,” he said. “They have lived in uncertainty for many years now but if we can keep the front door open then I believe that will bring certainty and stability to the hospital and that can only be in the interests of the local population, staff and the future of the hospital as well.”

Mr McGoran also encouraged local people to continue to make their voices heard by participating in the consultation.

“We are keen to listen to all points of view and will come up with the best solution possible,” he added. “This is a real opportunity.”

A public consultation meeting will be held on February 9 from 6.00pm – 9.30pm in the Recreation Hall, Lagan Valley Hospital, Lisburn and everyone is welcome to attend. A copy of the consultation document is available on the Trust’s website at www.setrust.hscni.net and on the Trust’s Facebook page. Comments should be emailed to [email protected] by the closing date, April 18.

The preferred option will then be reviewed in light of comments received and the final proposal presented to Trust Board on 30 May 2012. Upon completion of the consultation process the proposal will be re-submitted to the Trust Board for consideration and if approved it will be referred to the Minister for final approval.