20/01/2012
Antrim Hospital Waiting Time 'Unacceptable'
Northern Ireland’s Health Minister has criticised the length of time that patients are waiting to be treated at Antrim Area Hospital.
Recently it has been reported that patients have been faced with long delays and eight-hour trolley waits before being given a bed.
Edwin Poots said the hospital was "fit for purpose" but admitted more work needed to be done to improve care and added that the length of time patients are waiting for treatment at the Hospital is "unacceptable".
Meanwhile Antrim Council is to set up a meeting with Antrim Hospital chiefs amid fears of a beds crisis. Councillors agreed yesterday that it was imperative to meet with both the hospital’s Chief Executive as well as frontline staff for an update.
The Background
It emerged last week that staff at some casualty units were asked to discharge patients and cancel operations in order to free up beds, and that the Northern Health & Social Care Trust has written to GPs asking them to refer patients from Newtownabbey to the A&E at the Mater Hospital to ease pressure on Antrim Area Hospital.
Figures released by the Northern Health & Social Care Trust showed that 730 people waited for over 12 hours at the casualty unit at Antrim Area Hospital between December 1 and January 12, an average of 17 patients each day.
(LB)
Recently it has been reported that patients have been faced with long delays and eight-hour trolley waits before being given a bed.
Edwin Poots said the hospital was "fit for purpose" but admitted more work needed to be done to improve care and added that the length of time patients are waiting for treatment at the Hospital is "unacceptable".
Meanwhile Antrim Council is to set up a meeting with Antrim Hospital chiefs amid fears of a beds crisis. Councillors agreed yesterday that it was imperative to meet with both the hospital’s Chief Executive as well as frontline staff for an update.
The Background
It emerged last week that staff at some casualty units were asked to discharge patients and cancel operations in order to free up beds, and that the Northern Health & Social Care Trust has written to GPs asking them to refer patients from Newtownabbey to the A&E at the Mater Hospital to ease pressure on Antrim Area Hospital.
Figures released by the Northern Health & Social Care Trust showed that 730 people waited for over 12 hours at the casualty unit at Antrim Area Hospital between December 1 and January 12, an average of 17 patients each day.
(LB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2024
Other News In Brief
Infrastructure Minister Commits To Irish Language On Public Services Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has pledged his continuing support for the promotion of the Irish language on public services.
Other News In Brief
Infrastructure Minister Commits To Irish Language On Public Services Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has pledged his continuing support for the promotion of the Irish language on public services.
28 March 2024
PSNI Launch North Coast Easter Safety Message
The PSNI have partnered with Translink and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to ensure the safety of residents and those visiting the North Coast this Easter, focussing on Safer Roads, Safer Communities and Safer Socialising.
PSNI Launch North Coast Easter Safety Message
The PSNI have partnered with Translink and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to ensure the safety of residents and those visiting the North Coast this Easter, focussing on Safer Roads, Safer Communities and Safer Socialising.
14 February 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Women's Health Action Plan
Health Minister Robin Swann has unveiled a new Women's Health Action Plan, designed to "pave the way" for a longer-term comprehensive Women's Health Strategy.
Health Minister Unveils New Women's Health Action Plan
Health Minister Robin Swann has unveiled a new Women's Health Action Plan, designed to "pave the way" for a longer-term comprehensive Women's Health Strategy.
05 February 2024
Swann To Prioritise Settling Health Worker Pay Disputes
Newly appointed Health Minister, Robin Swann, has said that he will prioritise securing pay settlements for staff and resolve current industrial action. Mr Swann said: "That is my immediate priority and I want to see pay negotiations being initiated without delay, consequently I have written to the trade unions inviting them to early discussions.
Swann To Prioritise Settling Health Worker Pay Disputes
Newly appointed Health Minister, Robin Swann, has said that he will prioritise securing pay settlements for staff and resolve current industrial action. Mr Swann said: "That is my immediate priority and I want to see pay negotiations being initiated without delay, consequently I have written to the trade unions inviting them to early discussions.
31 January 2024
Alliance Backs Call To Save Health Service Dentistry
The Alliance party has backed an urgent call from 720 dentists to save Health Service dentistry, particularly focusing on the reform of dentist contracts.
Alliance Backs Call To Save Health Service Dentistry
The Alliance party has backed an urgent call from 720 dentists to save Health Service dentistry, particularly focusing on the reform of dentist contracts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.