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Hospital intensive care neo-natal unit unable to take new admissions

The Western health trust said the lack of intensive care neo-natal beds is not related to the pandemic
The Western health trust said the lack of intensive care neo-natal beds is not related to the pandemic The Western health trust said the lack of intensive care neo-natal beds is not related to the pandemic

A HOSPTIAL unit which cares for seriously ill babies can is unable to take new patients as its beds are full.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry has reached capacity.

The BBC reported the development, with the Western health trust confirming last night that a baby born in the hospital over the next 48 hours would likely be transferred to another hospital.

Trust officials also stated the issue was not linked to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The decision to move a mother and baby pre- or post-birth to a different hospital is never taken lightly," they added.

"It is taken by senior obstetricians along with the neonatal team and they will always prioritise the safety of the baby or babies when doing so."