30th August 2023
Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill hospitals are under extreme pressure with serious overcrowding in both emergency departments and high numbers of sick patients waiting for beds.
There are also significant numbers of patients in beds in our wards who are medically fit for discharge.
We are asking for public support to help ensure that the sickest patients get the care they need.
It is essential that patients leave hospital when they are discharged by the doctor and that families take their loved one home as soon as they are medically fit. There is another sick patient, possibly on a trolley or chair in the ED who needs the bed. This may mean accepting an alternative package or care home placement while waiting for a preferred longer term option.
Please only come to our EDs if you have serious symptoms that need hospital care.
Always phone first (Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm) before travelling to our EDs or Minor Injuries service with less urgent symptoms.
Tel: 0300 123 3 111.
Please also consider if your condition could be treated by your pharmacist or GP. If your symptoms cannot wait until your GP reopens, please call Urgent Care (GP) Out of Hours Tel: 028 3839 9201.
For help choosing the right service:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/…/how-use-your-health-services
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/camp…/illnesses-and-conditions
Our staff are doing their very best in very difficult circumstances.
Thankyou for your support and understanding.