Whiteabbey MIU closure could lead to ‘loss of life’ – claim
Mid and East Antrim councillors have expressed concerns over the Northern Trust’s proposals to shut the unit down.
A report on the issue was presented to members at the latest meeting of the community planning committee, outlining the council’s oppositions to the proposals, which are currently out for consultation.
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Hide AdTUV Cllr Ruth Wilson called for a letter to be sent to Health Minister Simon Hamilton stating: “People this winter could possibly lose their lives over this.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Paul Reid queried an assertion made in the report which stated: “Driving distance from Whiteabbey Hospital to Antrim Area Hospital is 13.3miles and would take an estimated 18 minutes.”
The Coast Road representative claimed: “The reality is that can’t be done.”
He also stated that at a time when, he said, many hospitals are under great pressure “to say Whiteabbey isn’t needed...I find that very strange, indeed.”
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Hide AdCllr Noel Jordan highlighted the complexity of transport arrangements that people would have to make to attend appointments at other hospitals, while Cllr Tommy Nicholl commented: “We should be asking for an independent assessment of these figures (in the report) and then we can make a decision. To consider closing a minor injuries unit is not right.”
The consultation period closes on Friday, December 4 and further information can be found at www.northerntrust.hscni.net