Northern Trust apologises as majority of planned surgeries cancelled due to COVID surge

In a statement to Love Ballymena, the Northern Trust has confirmed that it has moved to cancel the majority of planned surgeries across the Trust’s hospitals.

The announcement comes as our health system deals with a surge of COVID-19 patients.

A spokesperson commented: “Regrettably the Northern Trust has cancelled the majority of its planned / elective surgery to both free up staff to support the significant COVID-19 surge experience in the Trust and to reduce the clinical risk to patients who are or may be exposed to the virus. “The Trust is currently in the process of contacting those patients who will be affected.

“We apologise for the distress these further steps will cause. We will rearrange this surgery as soon as possible and we will do everything we can to ensure continuity of care throughout this challenging time.”

Data released yesterday by the Department of Health revealed that there are currently 592 COVID-19 inpatients. Across Northern Ireland, the figures showed hospitals were operating at 68 beds over capacity. Both Antrim Area and Ulster hospitals were full.