‘Red flag’ cancer surgeries postponed in NI due to Covid pressures

A number of ‘red flag’ cancer surgeries were postponed this week as Covid-related pressures on hospitals continues to mount, the Western Trust has confirmed.
By Mark Rainey
Published 20th Oct 2020, 18:40 BST
Updated 21st Oct 2020, 08:20 BST
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With more than 1,700 NI healthcare workers now isolating as a result of the coronavirus pandemic the operations, which were due to take place on Monday and Tuesday, did not go ahead.

The health trust said it was hoped they would take place today, but the situation was described as “fluid,” BBC NI has reported.

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The 1,700 figures relates to just three of the six health trusts, and is a significant increase from a fortnight ago when BBC News NI reported that 1,200 staff were isolating across all the trusts.

Hospitals are under increasing pressure as staff isolate due to Covid concernsHospitals are under increasing pressure as staff isolate due to Covid concerns
Hospitals are under increasing pressure as staff isolate due to Covid concerns

A ‘red flag’ referral is described by the Belfast Trust as one where “your GP or dentist feels your symptoms need further investigation as soon as possible and has referred you to a specialist”.

Three additional Covid-related deaths and 913 new cases in Northern Ireland have been confirmed in the last 24 hours, according to the Department of Health.

Related topics:Western TrustBBCDepartment of Health