Health Minister pauses Phone First service closure after MLAs raise concerns
The Health Minister has paused the planned closure of the Phone First service in the Northern Trust, after MLAs Claire Sugden and Alan Robinson raised concerns about the timing of the proposed cut.
East Londonderry MLAs Claire Sugden and Alan Robinson have welcomed the Health Minister’s decision to pause the planned closure of the Phone First service in the Northern Trust.
The telephone triage service, which directs patients to the most appropriate care, was first trialled at the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.
It had been due to end on 27 November as part of the Trust’s savings plans.
Both politicians had opposed the closure, with Ms Sugden raising concerns about the timing of the proposed cut, with winter approaching.
“When someone has an urgent health concern and is unsure where to turn, Phone First can advise them whether they need to go to A&E or can get the care they need elsewhere,” she said.
“That can save someone an unnecessary trip to hospital and ease pressure on staff caring for patients who need emergency treatment. That’s why I’ll keep making the case for the service to stay.”
“The pause gives the Trust time to look again at what losing the service would mean for patients and staff at Causeway and across the Northern Trust.”
Mr Robinson, who is a member of the Assembly’s Committee for Health, raised concerns directly with the Northern Trust at a recent online meeting, and at the latest Health Committee meeting.
The Trust’s interim Chief Executive confirmed then that the withdrawal will be paused for reassessment.
He said the Minister’s intervention is a “move in the right direction” with pressures in emergency departments continuing to increase.
“I rejected this proposal when I met the Northern Trust online, and I took to the floor again this week to make my opposition clear. I am glad the Minister has listened,” Mr Robinson continued.
“The Northern Trust itself has admitted that scrapping the service will see even more people arrive at Emergency Departments — departments that are already highly pressurised. That simply does not add up.
“I was in the Causeway Emergency Department a few months ago with my child and there were no seats available — we had to sit on the floor. If that is the reality on an ordinary day, how can anyone justify removing a service that helps manage demand during the most difficult months of the year?”
Both MLAs vowed to continue to press the Minister and Trust to retain the Phone First service.