Routine procedures at Belfast children’s hospital postponed
This is being done in response to the high number of children attending its emergency department with symptoms of infections, the Belfast Trust said.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.All routine procedures at Belfast’s paediatric hospital have been postponed, after an increase in children presenting with symptoms of bacterial and viral infections.
The action was being taken to prioritise the most critically ill children, the Belfast Trust said.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Trust said that the hospital is experiencing “very significant pressures” in its emergency department, with 227 children attending on Tuesday.
The number of children presenting with symptoms of bacterial and viral infections has increased, it added.
“Unfortunately, we have taken the very difficult decision to postpone all routine procedures at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children to allow our staff to care for those children with serious or time-critical illness at this time.
“We appreciate how difficult this will be for families and children and we apologise for the distress this may cause.”
It comes after tributes were paid to a young Belfast girl who died as a case of Strep A was reported at the primary school she attended.
Five-year-old Stella-Lilly McCorkindale has been remembered as “a very bright and talented little girl” by her school.
There has been an increase in the number of Strep A cases at schools and nurseries across Northern Ireland, which can be treated with antibiotics but can also develop into a more serious but rare invasive Group A Strep infection.
It follows two years of the coronavirus pandemic, when reported cases were lower than usual.
Eight children in Great Britain have died with a form of Strep A, while the death of a four-year-old child in Ireland is being investigated to see if Strep A was a contributory factor.
The Belfast Trust said: “We understand that parents may be very concerned if their child is experiencing symptoms of infection.
“We would encourage all parents to check the Belfast Trust online symptom checker where you can find quick, informative and trustworthy information about how to care for your child at home, support available from local pharmacies and GPs, and when to bring your child to hospital.”
The Public Health Agency website also has information on managing Strep A infections, it said.