CONCERN is growing for the future of the award-winning addictions unit based at the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick.
It has been confirmed this week that Ward 15 will be closed to new admissions over the two-week Christmas holiday period due to a staffing issue
Ward 15 — which provides vital rehabilitation for those battling alcohol and drug addiction and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary — is managed by the South Eastern Trust which insists it remains “fully committed” to the facility.
In September, concerns emerged for the future of the specialist addictions centre which provides a regional service when it was confirmed a senior consultant was leaving to take up another job.
Those concerns have resurfaced this week after confirmation that the consultant’s post has not been permanently filled with the role continuing to be delivered by a part-time addictions consultant.
The health trust insists it is taking all necessary measures to ensure the addictions service continues to operate, but confirmed Ward 15 will not accept planned admissions over the festive period.
The organisation said the job plan for a replacement consultant is only now being finalised before the post is formally advertised and that it is not in a position to confirm when an appointment can be made due to a “significant shortage” of addictions consultants across the region.
Worryingly, health chiefs have also admitted that it could take up to four months before the post could be filled due to the shortage of addictions consultants and vacancies in other areas.
In the interim, meetings between the health trust’s associate medical director and the addictions service co-ordinator are ongoing to ensure “safe cover and service planning”.
Local politicians are alarmed that a new consultant has not yet been appointed and that Ward 15 will effectively be closed, with no planned admissions to the addictions unit over Christmas.
South Down MLA Cathy Mason and Downpatrick councillor Oonagh Hanlon have described the current situation as “unacceptable” and say health chiefs have questions to answer.
Mrs Mason said the lifeline addictions service must be protected.
“It is completely unacceptable to hear that services at Ward 15 are due to close over the Christmas period and confirmation that the advertisement for the recruitment of a consultant psychiatrist has still not commenced is concerning,” she declared.
“This lack of action to recruit a long-term psychiatrist is putting people’s lives and livelihoods in danger, especially with the shocking news that in an unprecedented step, the health trust intends to close the ward for two weeks over Christmas.”
“Serious questions need to be answered by the South Eastern Trust why there seems to be a lack of urgency in this recruitment process.
“Management and staff provide a lifeline to so many patients locally and right across the North. That must be protected given the increasing numbers of people waiting on mental health support and so many families affected by addiction and other mental health issues.”
Mrs Mason has asked the health trust to ensure full services are retained at Ward 15.
Cllr Hanlon said that despite assurances from the health trust’s chief executive in July, it appeared “little has been done” to address the recruitment of a replacement consultant.
“Ward 15 provides a safe haven and shelter for those suffering with addictions and indeed supports their families,” she said.
“This is a callous and ill thought decision as the Christmas period is undoubtedly one of the most challenging for those battling addictions.These services must be protected and prioritised.”
Reaffirming its commitment to Ward 15, the South Eastern Trust said it is taking all necessary measures to ensure the addictions service continues to operate.
A spokeswoman said the Trust is bound by the recruitment requirements of the Royal College of Psychiatry.
“A recruitment process for a temporary locum consultant has so far been unsuccessful but, as an interim measure, the ward is being staffed by a part-time addictions consultant,” she said.
“In line with other in-patient addiction units in other health trusts, as Ward 15 is a non-acute ward, with planned admissions, they will be paused over the Christmas period.”