Challenging winter expected as Altnagelvin's A&E sees attendees increase
Altnagelvin Emergency Department has seen 100 more patients between April and August this year than last year as it prepares for a difficult winter.
Meanwhile, the Western Trust warned at a press briefing that it faces a multitude of other pressures, including the loss of targeted winter funding,
According to the Trust's official figures, last year 28,399 attended the Emergency Department while 28,498 attended this year.
It says 80% of people in the Emergency Department (ED) are typically dismissed however the other 20% require attention in hospital.
More people awaiting admissions to the two acute hospital sites at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) and Altnagelvin means it is more difficult to assess the patients awaiting attention in ED each day.
On average there are 60 patients awaiting admission for acute services in Altnagelvin and SWAH while up to 350 attend ED each day.
The Trust says ED's see high numbers of attendees, particularly people over 75, and an increase in the acuity (severity of illness) of these patients.
The routine increase in respiratory illnesses in winter, especially in children, will also add to difficulties faced by the hospitals.
Additionally, the increase in the number of falls due to adverse weather will put pressure on services.
Other 'significant' pressures faced by the hospital this year include: The lack of targeted winter funding available to Trusts, no advertising spend by the Public Health Agency or Department of Health to inform the public on health risks.
Other hospitals are equally or more busy at the minute, making transfers difficult.
Meanwhile, SWAH ED has seen a drop in 41 attendees between April and August this year.
However the Trust warns it is as busy as it has ever been after facing the busiest January to June it has ever had.
Omagh Minor Injuries Unit has seen a 605 attendee increase in the April to August period this year
The Western Trust says it will attempt to offset the pressures faced this winter with a series of preventative measures aimed at ensuring timely and efficient unscheduled care, while limiting the impact on elective care provision (care that is planned in advance).
Increased pressure
A Western Trust Spokesperson said it has various strategies to combat the increased pressure.
“Winter is typically a challenging period for the health and social care system when demand for our services rises significantly placing increased pressure on our hospitals and on our community services.
“In order to protect our services, we prepare an annual winter plan setting out our arrangements to manage the predicted increase in demand for our services, particularly within our Emergency Departments.
“As has been in the case in recent years, given the continuing and sustained pressure being experienced across all our services, we expect to face significant challenges for winter 2023/24 across primary care, hospital services and community services.”
The Trust has added 28 nurses to its staff in Altnagelvin, some replacing former staff and some in new positions.
Among many other things the Trust will focus on enhanced care home oversight, enhanced monitoring and oversight at all levels, maximising theatre capacity, maximising available funding for waiting list activity making full use of independent sector providers
Altnagelvin Minor Injuries is proposed for launch early 2024. It aims to reduce the numbers of people attending ED for minor injuries and ailments - 25% of ED attendances.