TWO health trusts in Northern Ireland have made urgent appeals for extra nursing staff to help ease “extreme pressure” on hospitals.
On New Year’s Day, Belfast trust posted a social media appeal for any registered nurses and health care assistants currently working for the trust to report for duty.
The South Eastern trust, which includes the Ulster Hospital, also made an “urgent appeal” for nursing and medical staff to help across critical areas.
Our hospitals remain under extreme pressure.
— Belfast Trust (@BelfastTrust) January 1, 2024
We are appealing for any registered nurses and HCA currently employed by the Trust who are available to come in and work in the hospital over the next 48 hours to report to patient flow. pic.twitter.com/19jnYAhUtS
The Northern trust also said the emergency departments and Antrim and Causeway hospitals continued to be under “extreme pressure,” with long waits for those whose condition is not life-threatening or urgent, adding: “Please understand our staff are working hard in difficult conditions.”
❗ URGENT STAFF APPEAL ❗
— South Eastern Trust (@setrust) January 1, 2024
We are appealing for nursing and medical staff to help across critical areas.
If staff can assist in any way, please contact your ward manager or call 07725 447401.
Thank you for your continued support. pic.twitter.com/8FtfvCZpaB
The Western trust said that Derry’s Altnagelvin Hospital and the South West Acute Hospital’s Emergency Department continued to be “extremely busy,” with large numbers of people attending and a high volume of patients requiring admission to already full wards for further treatment.
On Sunday, the Southern trust said emergency departments were “extremely busy” and said that the out of hours service should be used for serious urgent problems that cannot wait until GP surgeries reopen on Tuesday.
If your loved one is medically fit and you can support them over the festive period, please help us get them home in time to spend Christmas surrounded by family and friends.
— South Eastern Trust (@setrust) December 19, 2023
Timely discharge saves lives❗ pic.twitter.com/E89PDkBvx4
Shortly before Christmas, the Department of Health had issued advice on how best to access services over the busy festive season.
“Hospital Emergency Departments are available for sudden and acute illness or severe trauma,” a statement read.
“If you think you or a loved one needs hospital emergency care, then don’t delay in seeking treatment. EDs are very busy and patients will be ‘triaged’ – to make sure the sickest are cared for quickest.”
For those who don’t need an emergency department, other options available include the Pharmacy First service in Community Pharmcies, GPs and minor Injuries units.
With significant pressures on services, it’s important that you choose the most appropriate service for your needs.
— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 20, 2023
For information on how to access health and social care services over the festive period ➡️https://t.co/yUkLgZy3ol pic.twitter.com/BGSZUyFmh0
