Concerns have been raised following the Southern Trusts decision to temporarily divert important stroke treatment from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital.
Clanrye News and Sport was approached by members of staff at Daisy Hill Hospital who highlighted to us their concerns following the temporary suspension of acute stroke care from Daisy Hill Hospital Emergency Department to Craigavon ED.
Questions will now be asked of the Southern Trust who recently decided the temporary removal of Emergency General Surgery would become permanent.
A spokesperson for the Southern Trust said:
“Due to temporary staffing issues, we have put in place a short term arrangement which means that patients requiring acute stroke care and treatment will be taken to Craigavon Area Hospital by ambulance for initial treatment. We have contingency arrangements in place should a patient arrive at Daisy Hill ED and is thought to have stroke symptoms.
“Our priority is to ensure that patients continue to access safe, high quality care and treatment from our specialist stroke staff at all times.
“It is expected that this divert will be in place for two weeks.
“Always phone 999 with suspected stroke symptoms.”
Fast campaign:
Face, Arm, Speech, and Time to call 999.
Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech – Is their speech slurred?
Time – Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 