Staff at Emergency Departments in the Southern Trust area may, on occasion, make arrangements with patients who wish to wait in their cars as pressures continue to mount on already stretched hospital services.
However, the Trust confirmed that such arrangements are sometimes made only if patients prefer the option, particularly for patients who are immunosuppressed or uncomfortable in crowded waiting areas, amid what it describes as “significant and escalating winter pressures”.
A Trust spokesperson said Emergency Departments at both Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry and Craigavon Area Hospital have been under particular strain in recent weeks, with long waits at times for admission due to high demand for inpatient beds.
“We are experiencing significant and escalating winter pressures on our hospital and community services,” the spokesperson said.
“Viruses including flu, RSV, COVID-19 and Norovirus are adding to already high levels of demand for care. Our Emergency Departments at both Daisy Hill and Craigavon Area hospitals have been under particular pressure in recent weeks, with at times many patients experiencing long waits to be admitted given the high demand for beds.
“On occasion, staff may make arrangements with patients who wish to wait in their car – for example if they are immunosuppressed or do not like crowded areas.”
The Trust stressed that these measures are part of wider efforts to protect patient safety and dignity during an exceptionally challenging period for health and social care services.
“With sustained demand right across health and social care services regionally, our staff continue to do their very best to protect the safety and dignity of services for patients in difficult circumstances,” the spokesperson added.
The Trust said it is working to ease pressure on Emergency Departments by expanding community services, unscheduled care and same-day emergency care, with the aim of avoiding hospital admissions and improving patient flow wherever possible.
An appeal has also been made to the public to support the health service during the winter surge, including using services appropriately and helping speed up hospital discharges.
“It is essential that patients leave hospital and families support discharge as soon as their loved one is medically fit,” the spokesperson said.
“There is another sick patient in the Emergency Department who needs that bed on a hospital ward. This may mean accepting an alternative package of care or a care home placement while waiting for a preferred longer-term option.”
The Trust also reiterated guidance on when and how to seek medical help, urging people to attend Emergency Departments only if they have serious symptoms requiring hospital care and to call 999 if someone is acutely unwell. Those with less urgent symptoms are encouraged to phone first on 0300 123 3 111, contact their GP or pharmacist, or use GP Out of Hours services where appropriate.
With flu circulating widely in the community, the Trust is also asking people to think carefully before visiting hospitals or care settings.
“Please think before visiting hospitals or care settings, particularly if you have flu-like symptoms – fever, cough, sore throat, aches or sickness,” the spokesperson said.
“By staying home when unwell, you’re helping to reduce the spread and protect our most vulnerable.”
Face masks are currently being requested for staff, patients and visitors in Emergency Departments, while those attending with a patient are asked to bring only one accompanying person to help reduce overcrowding.
