Parents urged to use the right health services as winter pressures mount, says Health Minister

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt pictured with staff at the Paediatric Unit at Altnagelvin Area Hospital.

As winter pressures begin to intensify across Northern Ireland’s health service, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has issued a clear message to parents and carers: use the right service at the right time to help ensure children receive timely, appropriate care.

During a visit to the Paediatric Unit at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, the Minister met staff and young patients to observe firsthand the high standard of care being delivered.

He also received a demonstration of the HSC online children’s symptom checker, a tool developed by local paediatricians to support families in identifying the most suitable care pathway when a child becomes unwell.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Nesbitt acknowledged the anxiety parents face during the winter months as respiratory illnesses rise.

“I know how worrying it can be for parents when a child is sick, especially as more respiratory viruses begin to circulate during the winter,” he said.

“I want to reassure you about the excellent care that is available here at Altnagelvin and across all our paediatric units in Northern Ireland, and that plans are in place to deal with the extra pressures that winter brings.

“Parents and carers can help to ensure that all children and young people get the care they need by using the symptom checker and thinking about whether other services could provide the advice and treatment your child needs during this busy winter period.”

The Minister explained that at peak periods, some children may need to be transferred to other hospitals, possibly outside their Trust area. He emphasised that such transfers are part of a well-coordinated system designed to ensure no child is left without specialist support.

“If hospital care is required, your child may need to be transferred to another hospital, potentially in a different Trust area,” he added.

“I understand this can be concerning, but I want to reassure families that our paediatric services across Northern Ireland are of a consistently high standard, and work together to ensure that your child will receive excellent care wherever they are treated.

“Our dedicated teams across health and social care are ready to help but we must all consider what we can do to help them through this busy winter period.”

Consultant Paediatrician Dr Joe Clarke praised the Minister’s visit and echoed the call for families to make full use of available resources.

“We are delighted to welcome the Minister to observe how our hospital’s paediatric services work in partnership with the wider HSC Paediatric system, to provide safe, effective and compassionate care for children and young people,” he said.

“We want to encourage parents to use the children’s symptom checker, and if you need to come to hospital be assured that each Trust has dedicated paediatric units. Every unit has expert staff who make sure your children gets the same high-quality care wherever you live.”

The Minister concluded his visit by commending the dedication of staff across the regions:

“The team here at Altnagelvin are providing an excellent service to their local community. I want to thank each of them, and all paediatric teams across the regional network, for their hard work, commitment and dedication. I know how much the care and support they deliver to every child means to families.”

Parents concerned about a child’s health are advised to seek medical guidance without delay. Those needing urgent attention should go directly to their local Emergency Department.

For non-urgent concerns, families are encouraged to use the NI Children’s Symptom Checker, contact their GP, or access out-of-hours services. Community pharmacists can also provide advice and treatment for a wide range of winter illnesses, including the new ‘Pharmacy First for Sore Throats’ Service, available to anyone aged five and over.

More information about the Pharmacy First service can be found on the HSC NI website