COVID-19: two NI health trusts issue appeal for staffing help
Last updated 26th Jul 2021
An emergency appeal has been made to off-duty staff to attend work at two of Northern Ireland's pressure hit health Trusts.
The Belfast and South Eastern trusts said they were under "significant pressure" due to a rapid increase in covid patients.
The Belfast Trust said there was "extreme pressure'' in the Royal Victoria and Mater hospitals due to emergency admissions and the increasing numbers of Covid-19 patients.
"We are asking for help from our Trust nursing staff to work tonight and overnight and ask those available to work tonight,'' the trust said.
The South Eastern Trust tweeted: "We are currently experiencing pressures in the system and would appeal for any trust staff who can help out this evening to contact their department manager.''
Referencing a social media post by the Belfast Trust, Health Minister Robin Swann tweeted: "This is not an ask that a Trust makes easily of its staff, but unfortunately it is necessary as we continue to maintain the services that are expected.
"My enduring thanks to all our health staff who do so much for all of us.''
The trust appeals came on the day when Northern Ireland passed the one million landmark for people in the region who are fully vaccinated.
Around 70% of the adult population have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The milestone came eight months after the first jab was administered in Northern Ireland.
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson expressed concern about the increasing rates of hospital admission.
"Across the UK there has been an increase in the numbers of younger people contracting Covid-19,'' he said
"Whilst we have hit another significant milestone locally with over one million people now fully vaccinated, we lag behind other areas of the UK in terms of our younger population.
"In Scotland around 30% of under-30s are not yet vaccinated whilst in England that figure rises to 34%.
"In Northern Ireland, however, that figure rises to just over 42%.
"Vaccination is not just about protecting yourself but is also vital to protect our NHS and to safeguard the relaxations we have been able to introduce.''
Sinn Fein's Colm Gildernew called on Mr Swann to ensure safe staffing levels in hospitals.
"The Health Minister must act to ensure safe staffing levels in all hospitals and that all staff are supported,'' he said.
"It is also important that everyone continues to be vigilant and follow the public health guidelines to help ease pressures on our health service and its workers.''