Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA and deputy Chair of the Assembly Health committee, Michelle O'Neill has just issued this press release in relation to the closure of Dundonald's A&E ward:
Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA and deputy Chair of the Assembly Health Committee Michelle O'Neil has expressed her concern at the closure of the Ulster Hospitals A&E department and her support for the staff there and the staff of the other main hospitals in Belfast.
Ms O'Neil said,
"Obviously it's a cause for concern for people when one of our main hospitals in the Belfast area has to shut its A&E department but the reality is that we are dealing with unusually high levels of sickness this winter.
"I want to send solidarity and support to the staff in the Ulster hospital, I have no doubt that this was an immensely difficult decision to make; however I am hopeful that the issue will be resolved as quickly as is possible. Our hospitals in Belfast provide a very high standard of care and I want to reiterate the calls that people should ring the Ulster Hospital before attending.
"This is an issue that health Committee will have to look at in the time ahead; this type of situation must be prepared for in advance so as that hospital wards are not being closed when people might need them most." CRÍOCH
Ms O'Neil said,
"Obviously it's a cause for concern for people when one of our main hospitals in the Belfast area has to shut its A&E department but the reality is that we are dealing with unusually high levels of sickness this winter.
"I want to send solidarity and support to the staff in the Ulster hospital, I have no doubt that this was an immensely difficult decision to make; however I am hopeful that the issue will be resolved as quickly as is possible. Our hospitals in Belfast provide a very high standard of care and I want to reiterate the calls that people should ring the Ulster Hospital before attending.
"This is an issue that health Committee will have to look at in the time ahead; this type of situation must be prepared for in advance so as that hospital wards are not being closed when people might need them most." CRÍOCH
I must say i share Michelle's concerns and have no doubt that this is an issue she will be raising at the committee. Obviously the Ulster Hospital is widely used by people from across East Belfast and beyond and hopefully the ward can be re-opened as soon as possible. I suppose we are very lucky here in Belfast in that we have such a high standard of hospitals across the city.
If anyone feels they need to attend the Ulster Hospital the have been advicsed to call ahead and check the latest situation. You can call them on 028 9048 4511
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