CONCERNS have been raised about the rollout of a 'phone first' system for patients to access A&E services.
Unison said it believes that the South Eastern Health trust is planning to introduce the initiative at Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn in October.
The 'phone first' system is already is use at several hospitals across Northern Ireland.
But the trade union, which represents healthcare workers, said it is expects that anyone seeking to access the emergency department at Lagan Valley Hospital will soon have to phone first for an appointment to attend.
Currently its A&E operates from 8am to 8pm on Monday to Friday.
The Unison Down Lisburn Branch said it would campaign to oppose the plan and plans to stage a picket outside Lagan Valley Hospital on Thursday at noon.
Joe McCusker from Unison said: "While it is appreciated that there are challenges in A&E at Lagan Valley Hospital, this appears to be an ill-conceived plan, which will have an impact on patients, other overstretched A&E services and the ambulance service.
"Unison is not aware of any assessment of risk to the citizens of Lagan Valley if the 'phone first' plans go ahead, nor has a feasibility study been carried out on the plans.
"There has been no public consultation."
A spokeswoman for the trust last night said: "Phone First is an initiative that is already in place in several hospitals across Northern Ireland.
"It aims to ensure patients get the best care and treatment in the quickest possible time. Where it has been introduced it has proven to be successful and cut down on excessive waiting times.
"No decision has been taken about the use of Phone First at Lagan Valley and any calls for plans to be halted are premature.
"Any decision will only be taken if it is shown to be in the interests of patients and staff.
"Phone First does not mean that every patient must phone ahead before attending emergency departments."
