Officials working to ‘actively pursue all options’ on Ward 15

Officials working to ‘actively pursue all options’ on Ward 15

4 December 2024

STORMONT Health Hinister Mike Nesbitt has said his officials are aware of the current challenges facing the award-winning addictions unit based at the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick.

It was revealed last week that fears are growing for the long term future of Ward 15 which will be closed to new admissions over the two week Christmas holiday period due to a staffing issue.

The facility — 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 a letter to Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Mr Nesbitt said he notes the concern of local politicians who raised the issue with him recently.

He said Ward 15 provided a valued service toy people across the South Eastern Trust and also in the Belfast and Southern Trust areas.

Mr Nesbitt said his officials within the so-called strategic planning and performance group, are aware of the issues facing the Downpatrick addictions unit.

“They are working closely with South Eastern Trust officials to actively pursue all options available to ensure continued safe provision of these services, including permanent recruitment options and contingency planning,” the letter adds.                                  

In September, fears for the future of Ward 15 unit which provides a regional service, were expressed after a senior consultant accepted a job offer.

Those fears resurfaced last week after confirmation that a consultant’s post has not been permanently filled with the role continuing to be delivered by a part-time addictions consultant.

The local 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.

To compound local frustration, the health trust 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.

Health chiefs have also admitted that it could take up to four months before the post could be filled, with ongoing meetings between the organisation’s associate medical director and the addictions service co-ordinator 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.

The South Eastern Trust insists it is taking “all necessary measures” to ensure the addictions service continues to operate. 

The organisation said it is bound by the recruitment requirements of the Royal College of Psychiatry with the recruitment process for a temporary locum consultant has so far been unsuccessful.

South Down MLA Cathy Mason and Downpatrick councillor Oonagh Hanlon have described the current situation as “unacceptable”.