Strangford MP Jim Shannon MP has expressed his concerns about the Downe Hospital turning away ambulances due to a lack of beds on Tuesday 4 August.
He said: “The concern is that there are unused wards which could be utilized and this needs to be considered by the Trust. I am aware of the strains of finance on the Trust due to the penalties imposed because of Welfare Reform refusal by the sinners and SDLP but this is an example of how it is effecting the very front line services in all areas.
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Strangford MP Jim Shannon is concerned about a divert procedure that was put in place at the Downe Hospital on Tuesday 4 August. [/caption]
“I am asking the Trust to see if they can utilize these wards but I know that the funding problem is in the hands of Sinn Fein and SDLP and I simply don’t understand how they can look their constituents in the eye.
“I know that the Trust is doing the best they can with what they have but hopefully a solution can be found to ensure that no more ambulances have to leave a hospital which has physical space but no funding.”
A spokesperson for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust said: “The Trust can confirm that a divert was in place at the Downe Hospital on Tuesday 4 August from 12 Noon until 6pm.
“This was an extraordinarily busy day across the Trust area and escalation measures were put in place for one day within the Downe Hospital to manage the pressures which are normal operational arrangements that ALL hospitals use in times of bed pressures.
“Lagan Valley Hospital had bed capacity available at the time the divert was put into place and one patient waiting for admission in the Downe Emergency Department agreed to be transferred to Lagan Valley Hospital for treatment. The divert was lifted at 6pm on the Tuesday evening when bed capacity was available within the Downe Hospital.
“The number of beds within the Downe Hospital is sufficient to meet the needs of patients requiring inpatient care and there will be times when demand is greater than the number of beds available.
“The Trust would also wish to pay tribute to all our staff for their wonderful commitment and dedication during this busy period.”
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