There is an urgent need for more security at the Lourdes Hospital over the Christmas period, a councillor has warned
Cllr Debbie McCole said that anti-social behavior in the Accident and Emergency Department traditionally increases over the festive season. There is no security in A&E from midnight to midday because of financial cutbacks.
The Sinn Fein politician said:” Last August the ridiculous decision to reduce security staff in the ED was taken, leaving patients, visitors and staff exposed to regular antisocial behavior.
” The explanation that was given was that over the Christmas period of 2024 disruptive behavior increased so they added an extra security officer on a temporary basis until August.
” I have become increasingly concerned lately, these incidents are increasing and only going to get worse as we move into the party season.
” The numbers attending the Emergency Department are also increasing as they do at this time every year.It’s not good enough to leave those vulnerable people exposed to distasteful, aggressive acts which are a regular occurrence in the ED.”
Since an extra security guard was put in last January she is now demanding that the hospital management do the same this year for everybody’s safety.
