‘Use your hospital’

Mr Seamus McGoran said that the number of people attending the Lagan Valley Hospital’s Accident and Emergency department at the weekend had fallen sharply and he is encouraging people to make use of the services on offer.

Despite the reduced opening hours, the hospital’s A&E department is treating around 70% of people who previously used the department. Admissions are at 80% and, according to the Trust, ambulances are bringing more patients to the hospital during daytime hours.

“We are open for business seven days a week,” said Mr McGoran. “There seems to be a feeling that the hospital closes at the weekend but the Lagan Valley is open for business from 9am until 8pm seven days a week. It is there at the weekend and people need to make use of their local hospital.”

The Lagan Valley Hospital Accident and Emergency Department is currently working to restricted hours. It is open each day, Monday to Sunday, from 9am until 8pm.