Apology Issued for Appointment Cancellations
The Belfast Trust has issued an apology to patients following the cancellation of certain appointments within its mental health service dedicated to older adults.
An email obtained by NI, addressed to general practitioners (GPs) in the trust's jurisdiction, indicated that there would be no acceptance of new or follow-up referrals to the Psychiatry of Old Age Service.
The trust attributed this decision to ongoing staffing challenges, including "significant sickness absence and vacant posts."
In communication with GPs, the trust explained that this action was taken "to protect patient safety and ensure that remaining clinical capacity is deployed appropriately and safely."
Details from the Trust's Email to GPs
The email informed GPs about recent developments within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) Psychiatry of Old Age Service, a community-based program responsible for assessing and reviewing older adults upon referral from GPs. Typically, this service operates with a target waiting time of nine weeks.
Due to persistent staffing pressures, the service has "had to temporarily stand down new and review appointments within the Psychiatry of Old Age Service."
Additionally, the email stated that the service was currently unable to provide the hospital liaison service for older adults.
GPs were advised to continue submitting referrals as usual. The service will maintain triage of all referrals, with the remaining staff prioritizing "urgent or high-risk referrals for assessment and intervention."
"While routine appointments cannot currently proceed, the team remains committed to ensuring that individuals presenting with urgent or escalating concerns are identified promptly and offered an appropriate response,"
The email further noted that the Community Mental Health Team for Older People is "actively providing support, advice, and follow up to individuals whose appointments have been cancelled."
The trust acknowledged that "these temporary measures will present challenges for patients, families" and emphasized ongoing efforts to "stabilise staffing levels, restore capacity, and safeguard patients during this period of disruption."
Ongoing Monitoring of the Situation
In a statement to NI, the Belfast Trust reiterated that these steps were necessary "to protect patient safety and ensure that remaining clinical capacity is deployed appropriately and safely."
"Belfast Trust sincerely apologises to everyone who is affected by this.
We are keeping this situation under close review and we are continuing to seek additional staffing to support the service."
