Alliance Coleraine representative Alderman Yvonne Boyle has welcomed Department of Health plans to cope with the expected surge in Coronavirus cases.

Alderman Boyle said: “We are in exceptional times which require exceptional solutions. The Department of Health, and all health service staff, are working under extreme conditions to keep us all safe, and across the community people have been showing their appreciation and support.

“In our area, the temporary reorganisation of services will mean that Causeway Hospital will not be available to deliver babies, with expectant mothers attending Antrim or Altnagelvin Hospitals instead.

“My heart goes out to expectant mothers and their partners who will now find themselves having this extra journey at this challenging time. However, this reconfiguration will help keep regional paediatric services operating at the best level in the interests of all children.

“The Department of Health has said this is a temporary measure and it is important that this is the case, given the importance of Causeway Hospital serving both women and men and all sections of the community on the North Coast.

“In the meantime, it is important to be aware of government advice and stay at home unless it is essential to go out.”