Council meets Health Trust

The Trust made a presentation to the Council’s Corporate Services Committee at its monthly meeting on Tuesday night to provide an update on the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.

At the meeting it was agreed that the Council’s Cross Party Working Group would meet with The Trust to consider and discuss its implementation plan for a future model for the Lagan Valley Hospital.

The Cross Party Group will also be meeting with the Health Minister regarding plans for Lagan Valley Hospital.

After the meeting the Chairman of the Council’s Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Pat Catney said that the Council would continue to campaign for 24-hour access to A&E.

He said: “Recent media reports have highlighted once again the shocking demands on our local hospitals and the inability of major neighbouring hospitals to cope with the demands being placed on them.

“This can only strengthen the case for the retention of 24-hour, seven day per week access to the Lagan Valley Hospital and we will continue to strive for its re-introduction.”

Councillor Yvonne Craig asked why the Trust “could not attract and keep their staff”?

She said: “The Trust blamed the uncertainty of the status of the Lagan Valley and the Downe, which they are responsible for making, as the reason.”