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Doctor shortage suspends services Doctor shortage suspends services
(about 1 hour later)
Some obstetric and gynaecological services have been suspended at the Erne and Tyrone County hospitals because of a shortage of doctors.Some obstetric and gynaecological services have been suspended at the Erne and Tyrone County hospitals because of a shortage of doctors.
All routine and emergency gynaecology patients will be diverted to Altnagelvin hospital from Tuesday.All routine and emergency gynaecology patients will be diverted to Altnagelvin hospital from Tuesday.
The Western Trust said it took the decision because it had been unable to fill six posts at the Erne.The Western Trust said it took the decision because it had been unable to fill six posts at the Erne.
The trust said a temporary suspension was necessary to ensure the safe provision of the services.The trust said a temporary suspension was necessary to ensure the safe provision of the services.
It is understood other trusts have similar problems.It is understood other trusts have similar problems.
The trust said it was considering all alternatives to address gaps in rotas, so that the service could return to normal as soon as possible.The trust said it was considering all alternatives to address gaps in rotas, so that the service could return to normal as soon as possible.
Exceptions will be women with life threatening bleeding who will be assessed by senior gynaecological staff in the Erne's Accident and Emergency Department.Exceptions will be women with life threatening bleeding who will be assessed by senior gynaecological staff in the Erne's Accident and Emergency Department.
Other local hospitals, including those within the Northern Trust, are experiencing similar difficulties.Other local hospitals, including those within the Northern Trust, are experiencing similar difficulties.
Local politicians expressed shock at the development.
SDLP assembly member Tommy Gallagher said people in the area had been let down.
"Five posts empty out of six is quite simply unacceptable by any standard," he said.
"I am taking this up with minister Michael McGimpsey and asking for an urgent review of arrangements for the supply of junior doctors. But putting the situation right at Enniskillen Hospital has to be the immediate priority."
DUP assembly member Arlene Foster said she was "horrified" at the news.
"This is a massive blow to the people of Fermanagh," she said.
"Representatives of the trust claim that this will only be a temporary measure but I have little confidence in their promises.
"They indicate that it is due to a lack of junior doctors applying, but if the trust keep reducing services and placing others under threat, closure will become a self- fulfilling prophecy. They are not providing confidence to encourage health care staff to come to Fermanagh for long-term posts."