More ambulance cover needed after Whiteabbey A&E opening hours cut

3.39.08pm GMT Mon 20th Nov 2006

Alliance Leader, David Ford

Alliance Party Leader David Ford and Newtownabbey Mayor Lynn Frazer have called for meeting with the Northern Health and Social Services Board to secure adequate ambulance coverage for the Newtownabbey area. Their call is in response to a reduction in the opening hours at the Accident and Emergency Department in Whiteabbey Hospital.

David Ford said: "I am appalled that the opening hours are being cut at Whiteabbey Hospital's Accident and Emergency Department. I have demanded a meeting with the NHSSB in a bid to gain extra ambulance cover for the Newtownabbey area.

"Extra ambulance cover would at least ensure that people in the area have a safety net to protect them following the changes at Whiteabbey Hospital.

"The ambulance cover must not come from staff taken away from their duties in Carrickfergus or North Belfast. New staff must be recruited in order to ensure that the level of service provided for local people is not reduced."

Newtownabbey Mayor Lynn Frazer said: "Action must be taken to address the decrease in Accident and Emergency services for people in the Newtownabbey area.

"It is a fundamental right in this society that adequate medical cover is provided for everyone. Providing more ambulance staff for the area is the least that can be done in the present circumstances."

ENDS