Dickson in call for Whiteabbey hospital's Accident and Emergency services to be increased

2.41.33pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 21st Aug 2007

Alliance Carrickfergus Councillor Stewart Dickson

Alliance Party Councillor Stewart Dickson has called on the Northern Health Board to reintroduce 24 hour Accident and Emergency services at Whiteabbey hospital following a report that claims that patient's lives are put at risk by having to travel further due to the closure of some Accident and Emergency units. The report conducted by the Emergency Medical Journal found that the risk of death during travel for serious conditions rose as the distance they travelled to get to an Accident and Emergency unit increased.

The Carrickfergus Councillor said: "In light of this research which demonstrates that patient's lives are put at risk by making them travel further, the Northern Health Board must reconsider their disastrous decision to reduce Accident and Emergency services at Whiteabbey.

"The report found that the risk of death almost doubled for those with breathing problems if they journey lasted over 12 miles then between 6 and 12 miles.

"As a former member of the Health Board and a long time campaigner for Whiteabbey hospital I feel very strongly about this report it must be looked at by the Northern Health Board.

"Whiteabbey went from having 24 hour Accident and Emergency services that then closed at 9.00pm, and now only opens between 9.00am and 5.00pm. If patient's lives are being endangered then this can no longer go on and round the clock services must be restored."

Ends