SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has received confirmation from the Western Health and Social Care Trust, that they are currently working to restore relative rooms at Altnagelvin’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU.)
Mr Durkan said the provision of a safe space for family members of critically ill patients is a necessity. These designated areas were reorganised during the pandemic in a bid to expand the Unit’s clinical space.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Being in a position whereby a loved one has been admitted to ICU is traumatic in itself but for families who find themselves in such a harrowing position, a designated waiting area where they can come together separate from the chaos of a hospital setting is crucial.
“I’ve urged the Western Trust to restore this provision as soon as possible to provide people with the privacy they deserve.
“This is a basic requirement for families of critically ill patients allowing them to come together while they await the news of their loved one’s condition.
“I’m pleased to confirm that work is underway to secure approval and implement a new suitable location for ICU relative rooms.”
