THE Herald can reveal that ambulances were diverted from the South West Acute Hospital two weekends ago during what was described as the ‘worst week’ ever at the Enniskillen facility in terms of pressure on services.
We can confirm that ambulances were diverted from South West Acute Hospital to Altnagelvin Hospital from 1pm to 6pm on Monday February 24 2014 during what was one the busiest periods in A&E since opening in June, 2012.
Last week the trust did not comment on events, but this week it did confirm that ambulances had to bring patients to Derry, rather than Enniskillen.
Geraldine McKay, Director of Acute Services for the Western Trust confirmed that the South West Acute Hospital Emergency Department’s did see increasing numbers of patients attend over the three day period.
“From Sunday 23 February 2014 the South West Acute Hospital did see an unusual increase in the number of admissions to the hospital as a result of people attending the Emergency Department.
“This led the Hospital as part of its escalation plans to open an additional 21 beds. There were no additional Trust staff such as nurses and consultants brought in to work either of the Trust’s Emergency Department’s during this period.
“The Trust was able to provide additional cover from its own staff complement at the South West Acute Hospital during this period to support the opening of the additional beds with one agency staff being required.
“This was to make sure all patients in additional beds received highest quality of care. These beds remain open.
“Ambulances were diverted from South West Acute Hospital to Altnagelvin Hospital from 1pm to 6pm on Monday 24 February 2014.
“The Western Trust is committed to ensuring that patients wait for as short a time as possible at our Emergency Departments. The South West Acute Hospital did experience an unusually high rate of admission as a result as attendances at its Emergency Department over the weekend.
“I would like to say thank you to the staff in both Hospitals who during this time have worked tirelessly to make sure patients are treated in a safe manner. ”
Local UUP councillor and mental health practitioner at SWAH Raymond Farrell said the news that ambulances were diverted from the hospital to Altnagelvin was a ‘big concern’.
“It shows the need to have forward planning in place when there is real pressure on the service.
“There needs to be capacity on the site to deal with the overflow of patients.
“It is not an ideal situation where an ill patient has to be transfered miles away on a road infrastructure not suitable for ill patients. This would worry me.”
Jill Weir the Fermanagh Omagh branch secretary for UNISON said that the problems experienced at the South West Acute Hospital two weeks ago were part of a regional issue and called on Health Minister Edwin Poots to address the concerns of staff and patients.
“We’re sitting above 100% bed occupancy (At SWAH) and the safe level is 85%. That doesn’t just put pressure on A&E, but puts pressure on the wards.”
She continued: “We haven’t been asked to engage with the Trust, but we have asked to engage in discussions.
“It is not just a local problem though, I think Antrim had the same problems this weekend and had to divert also.
“It is like a sticking plaster over a gaping wound, it needs to be addressed. We have to look after our wee hospital and action must be taken to ensure this is never repeated.”
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