Altnagelvin Hospital puts ‘surge plan’ in place after rise in Londonderry cases

The Derry City and Strabane council area has quickly become one of the worst coronavirus hotspots in the UK following a huge rise in the number of cases in recent weeks.

Some services have now been suspended at Altnagelvin Hospital as medics begin to grapple with a surge in coronavirus patients.

Director of Acute Services with the Western Trust, Geraldine McKay, said: “The high number of positive cases within the local community has resulted in an increased number of COVID-19 admissions to Altnagelvin Hospital particularly within the past week. As a result we have had to rapidly implement our revised surge plan at Altnagelvin hospital. It has also been necessary to re-designate one of our ward areas to manage COVID-19 positive cases.”

She continued: ““The Trust has taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend Elective Orthopaedic in-patient services at Altnagelvin Hospital from this week. The service had restarted in a limited way in line with the Trust’s re-building services plan. This decision was required in response to the increase in COVID-19 related admissions and in order to have adequate inpatient beds available for this expected surge.

“We are facing challenges in maintaining our staffing levels. With the continuing increase of COVID-19 in the community more and more staff are being asked to self-isolate.

“This decision to temporarily suspend elective orthopaedic services will be kept under review as we manage this pandemic.”

She added: “We would like to assure our patients that we are continuing to deliver red flag cancer and emergency surgery, alongside some face-to-face and virtual out-patient clinics. People should continue to attend where they have already booked appointments.”

“Our Emergency Department at Altnagelvin Hospital has been particularly busy. Whilst it remains open to all patients who are unwell and require medical assessment and treatment, patients are asked to consider alternative pathways to access health care including GP and Pharmacy. This is to ensure appropriate social distancing in our Emergency Department for patients who absolutely need to attend and to allow us to see and treat patients quickly.

“The public are asked to attend the Emergency Department alone, unless you require the assistance of one person. We would also remind the public not to attend our Emergency Department if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If people have symptoms of COVID and need to get tested, they should follow advice regarding accessing the National Testing Centres. Our Emergency Department is not a testing centre.

“Finally, we are asking the public to continue to follow public health advice; wear a mask, maintain social distancing and regularly wash your hands to keep both themselves and their loved ones safe. We are all in this together!”