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Altnagelvin ED Crisis: Patient's 4-Day Hallway Stay
14 Sep
Summary
- A 72-year-old man endured four days in an ED hallway.
- He suffered excruciating pain and delirium from lack of sleep.
- Family expressed helplessness and horror at the systemic failure.
A 72-year-old man experienced a distressing four-day ordeal in an Altnagelvin Hospital Emergency Department hallway while awaiting a hospital bed.
The patient was admitted on September 6th with a foot infection and angina. His granddaughter reported he remained in excruciating pain, unable to sleep, and became delirious during his prolonged stay in the busy hallway.
Staff at the hospital were described as amazing but overworked. The family expressed their horror and helplessness, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and increased funding for the hospital.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust has apologized for the long waits, attributing them to pressures experienced across all of Northern Ireland's health trusts. Efforts are underway to manage demand and patient flow.
Health Minister Robbie Butler stated his determination to reduce the excessively long ED waiting times, emphasizing that while capital projects like ED redevelopment are supported, they depend on budget allocations. He also envisions improving care pathways and strengthening community services.
