The restoration of 'family waiting rooms' at the intensive care unit at Altnagelvin Hospital is set to go ahead, a local MLA has said.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said the rooms had been reorganised during the coronavirus pandemic in a bid to expand the clinical space at the hospital's intensive care unit.
The SDLP man said he had received confirmation from the Western Trust that the rooms will now be restored.
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“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," he said.
“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."
Mr Durkan added: "I’m pleased to confirm that work is underway to secure approval and implement a new suitable location for ICU relative rooms.”
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