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Enniskillen hospital staff raise concerns about transfer of neo-natal and children's units during pandemic

Staff at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen are concerned about relocation of units during the Covid-19 pandemic
Staff at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen are concerned about relocation of units during the Covid-19 pandemic Staff at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen are concerned about relocation of units during the Covid-19 pandemic

CONCERNS have been raised about proposals to relocate neonatal and paediatric units in a Co Fermanagh hospital to Derry as part of coronavirus emergency planning.

It is understood that staff at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen are unhappy with the move, which could lead to the units being transferred to Altnagelvin hospital in Derry.

The BBC yesterday reported the relocation could take place within weeks and is part of plans to free up space to deal with the pandemic.

The Western health trust said a decision has not yet been taken and it is continuing to "test our plans for the expected surge in Covid-19".

"There have been announcements about service reconfiguration in other trusts and this has led to understandable questions about services in the West," a trust spokeswoman said.

“Any decision to reconfigure hospital services will be based on clinical advice to ensure the safety of our patients and staff as a priority.

"This is a rapidly changing environment however the trust will inform the public of any temporary changes being implemented.”

Health minister Robin Swann yesterday revealed details of 'modelling' estimates for the north, with plans in place for a 'reasonable worst case scenario' of 3,000 deaths over a 20-week period.

Around 500 hospital admissions would be expected each week, with the virus expected to 'peak' between April 6 and 20.

A second wave in winter months is also projected.