Public Consultation on the temporary changes to Urgent and Emergency Care services at Lagan Valley Hospital, Lisburn

Overview

The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has launched a public consultation about the temporary changes to Urgent and Emergency Care Services at Lagan Valley Hospital, Lisburn. 

On Monday 18 October 2021, opening hours at the Lagan Valley Hospital Emergency Department were temporarily changed from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday, to 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday. A ‘Phone First’ service was also introduced on this date.

The decision to reduce the opening hours by two hours a day, was taken by the Trust in response to the significant shortage of suitably qualified emergency medical staff and the ability to maintain high quality standards of care for patients.  Patient safety remains the Trust’s key priority and there was no alternative to making this decision. We would like to assure you that the Trust is continuing to try to recruit new medical staff to support our Urgent and Emergency Care services at Lagan Valley Hospital. 

The ‘Phone First’ service involves patients being assessed by a senior doctor over the phone and ensures people receive the right care, first time. This system is being implemented across the region and is consistent with the Department of Health’s strategy for Urgent and Emergency Care services which is expected to be published shortly.

Whilst continuing to focus on providing high quality care for patients, the Trust needs to consider the best way to be able to provide safe, sustainable and clinically appropriate Urgent and Emergency Care services.  The Trust believes that these changes can, and will continue to meet the needs of the community safely, and is hopeful that they will provide a better experience for patients attending the Lagan Valley Hospital Emergency Department.

The Trust remains committed to the Lagan Valley Hospital and recognises how important it is to the people of Lisburn and surrounding areas.  The Hospital has a key role providing a comprehensive range of inpatient, day case and outpatient services. In addition to these core services, the Lagan Valley site will be further enhanced by a new Primary and Community Care Centre which will bring together a full range of GP, community care and hospital services.  The Hospital is also the first dedicated Regional Day Procedure Centre and provides vital planned day surgery to patients from right across Northern Ireland. 

The Trust would like to consult with you on how the organisation proposes to deliver Urgent and Emergency Care services at Lagan Valley Hospital.

As part of the consultation, there will be a range of opportunities for staff and the local community to give their views. A copy of the consultation document and information on the consultation process is available on the Trust’s website at www.setrust.hscni.net/getinvolved/consultations/. 

The consultation period will run from 23 February 2022 to 22 April 2022. Comments should be submitted by the closing date. The Trust will also be holding an online listening event.  Further information and details on how to register can be found at www.setrust.hscni.net/getinvolved/consultations/. 

Comments made during the consultation process will be considered carefully and feedback will be provided.

The Trust is keen to hear your views and looks forward to engaging with you.