Waterside Hospital's Ward 3 is cleared of patients

The Sentinel recently reported how continuing care for older people with mental health needs was to be phased out at Ward 3 of the Waterside Hospital. This has now taken place with five patients and 24 staff affected by the shake-up.

Elderly patients with mental health needs will in future be assessed at Ward 3.

A spokesperson from the Trust commented: "The Waterside Hospital is not closing. The Trust can confirm patients who had been in Ward 3 at the Waterside Hospital have now been placed in an alternative and appropriate care environment to meet their individual needs. The Trust cannot comment further on any individual patient for confidentiality reasons.

"The present Ward 3 will be subject to capital improvements in the forthcoming months to make it ready for its new function, which is to provide Elderly Mentally Ill and Functionally Mentally Ill assessment wards."

Unison Branch Secretary and former mental health nurse, George McKnight, recently told the paper the shake-up would result in staff losing their jobs and patients receiving a lower standard of care in private nursing homes.

Mr McKnight also said he believed the proposed use of Ward 3 as an assessment ward would mean Alzheimer's services would be switched from the Ballycann ward when continuing care at Ward 3 is phased out. Ballycann will close as a result, he said.

The Western Trust spokesperson moved to quell rumours that the Waterside Hosptial was under threat of closure.

"The Trust is committed to continuing to provide services for older people, and the Waterside Hospital will continue to be a part of this provision of services.

"The Trust would also like to acknowledge the care and dedication staff have demonstrated in providing continuing care service on Ward 3 over the years," she said.