New phone-in Emergency Department system launches in Causeway
The pilot programme aims to reduce long waiting times.
A new ‘Phone First’ service aiming to relieve pressures on Emergency Departments is being trialled at the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine from today (Tuesday).
The Department of Health said the 24/7 ‘Phone First’ service would ensure patients can get direct access to the right care, avoid busy Emergency Departments and stay safe.
Patients who are unwell or injured, but not in a life-threatening state will now be advised to phone ahead for assessment by healthcare professionals.
However, the Department said emergencies that are life threatening remain 999 priorities.
These can include strokes, heart attacks, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or major trauma.
Dr Daniel McGeown, a consultant in Causeway's Emergency Department, says it comes after years of "significant pressure".
"We are approaching winter, and we are certainly seeing a number of people waiting for a long time, sometimes in excess of 12 hours for a bed in the hospital.
"We are aware that this initiative is not going to address those people waiting necessarily, however, the people who may attend and be sitting in the waiting room, we would hope to reduce the length of time they stay , and keep as many people safe as possible," he said.
Head of General Medical Services at the Health and Social Care Board, Dr Margaret O’Brien explained how the new service would work:
“When you call the ‘Phone First’ service for Causeway Hospital ED, you will be directed to a health care professional who will clinically assess your condition or the person you are phoning on behalf of,” she said.
“They will then make arrangements for you to access to the most appropriate service to your needs.
“This may mean offering you an appointment at the Causeway ED, organising further investigations or redirecting you to your local GP, GP Out of Hours or nearest Minor Injuries Unit.”
The service might also be introduced at Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill Hospitals’ EDs in the coming weeks.
The ‘Phone First’ number to ring is 0300 123 1 123, and the text relay number is 18001 0300 123 1 123.