Belfast's Mater Hospital A&E depart will be closed to walk in admissions from 8am tomorrow, it has been announced.
The Mater Hospital in north Belfast is the main hub for people with coronavirus and from noon tomorrow all respiratory ambulance admission patients within the Belfast Trust area will be diverted to the Crumlin Road hospital.
All other ambulance admissions will be taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Medical staff and resources are being redeployed to the Mater to support the higher level of activity at the site.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust asked that people seeking medical treatment for urgent and non-respiratory problems to attend A&E at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Emergency Department Consultant Dr Eoghan Ferrie said, “This is the vital next step in adapting our service to respond to the Covid-19 virus. Whilst we anticipate many people who contract the virus will experience mild symptoms that can be managed through self-isolation, we have taken the decision to ensure we are best prepared to treat patients who may need acute care.”
He saaid there had been a "downturn in emergency and unscheduled demand in recent weeks" which demonstrated "that the public are choosing wisely and using other routes to access medical treatment and support".
"We would like to thank the public for consciously trying to release the pressure on our services and urge them to continue to follow government and PHA advice in relation to Covid-19.”
Now is the time to stay at home. Our respiratory team have a clear message- stay at home to save lives #stayathome #fightback #COVID19 #jointhefightback pic.twitter.com/8fLhug8xTC
— Belfast Trust (@BelfastTrust) March 22, 2020
