28/07/2020
The Western Trust welcomes the announcement by Health Minister Robin Swann today setting out the approach for the ‘Rebuilding, Transition and Transformation of Elective Orthopaedic Care’. This will see Altnagelvin Hospital and Musgrave Park Hospital become designated hub sites for orthopaedic procedures as part of a regional model.
As a Trust we are acutely aware of the long waiting times our patients are experiencing for elective surgery, particularly Orthopaedic care and we deeply regret this.
“It is our intention to move forward with the implementation of these interim service changes as quickly as possible to address the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on elective care waiting times and to enable the HSC to have in place dedicated regional treatment centres ahead of potential further waves of the pandemic. This will allow the HSC to maintain robust infection control preventative measures at these dedicated sites to enable procedures to continue during any future outbreaks of Covid-19. While we cannot guarantee that this can be achieved under all circumstances the Western Trust will ensure delivery of elective orthopaedic services is prioritised.
The Trust will now move through an implementation phase and will carry out engagement and consultation with patients, Trades Unions and Professional bodies.