Northern Ireland health services continues to struggle under extreme pressure as Craigavon Area Hospital advises that it is operating at full capacity tonight (Sunday 14 November).
In a message on social media, the Southern Trust advised patients:
“Craigavon Area Hospital is under extreme pressure - we are at full capacity, there are long waits in our Emergency Department and high numbers of Covid-19 inpatients.
“We have taken the decision that ambulances will be diverted to hospitals elsewhere in the region - only in immediate life threatening situations will ambulances be going to Craigavon Area Hospital (CAH). We have taken the decision in the interests of patient safety and ask for your support.
“Please do not attend ED in CAH unless you need immediate help and do not request an ambulance unless in an emergency. Huge thanks to our HSC colleagues for their support.”
Craigavon Area Hospital has also asked if any staff are available this evening to work, to contact the patient flow team to enable more beds to be opened.
As a consequence of the situation in Craigavon, Northern Trust, covering Antrim Area and Causeway, has appealed to the public to only come to the site if they require emergency care.
A spokesperson for Northern Trust appealed, saying:
“Our hospitals are tonight supporting Craigavon Area Hospital in line with other hospitals across Northern Ireland.
“This will increase pressure on our EDs which were already very busy. Please only attend if your condition requires emergency care.
“If your condition is life-threatening call 999.”
Commenting on the situation and extreme pressures being experienced by the health service this evening, a spokesperson for Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said:
“While we seek to support the Southern Trust to alleviate pressures at Craigavon Area Hospital, NIAS will continue to prioritise the most seriously ill to ensure they receive the quickest response possible.
“This will however lead to longer response times, especially for those calling with less serious complaints. NIAS apologises for this delay and asks that the public only calls 999 when absolutely essential.”