As Northern Ireland gears up to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health has announced that health service activity across Northern Ireland will be substantially curtailed as more resources are likely to be diverted to care for patients with COVID-19.
The health services to be reduced include non-urgent outpatient appointments, day cases, inpatient and diagnostic work. The curtailment process will happen in a phased manner over the days and weeks ahead.
Northern Ireland has moved from the containment phase to the delay phase to tackle the COVID-19 situation. As a result, the public has been advised to remain indoors for seven days if they experience fever and/or new and persistent cough. As of 17 March 2020, the total number of positive cases in Northern Ireland was 62.
All Health and Social Care Trusts have to ensure that patients who are medically well are discharged from hospital at the earliest accompanied by proper care arrangements so that hospital beds remain free for any surge in admissions. The trusts have also been asked to plan in advance for levels of sick leave amongst staff, which can significantly limit their capacity.
Minister Robin Swann said: "This is undoubtedly the biggest public health challenge for at least a generation. It will require a Government-wide and society-wide response, not only caring for those who fall ill but also providing support to anyone impacted by self-isolation and any social distancing measures that are put in place in the weeks ahead."
