A new consultant-led Urgent Care Centre could be developed alongside the Ulster Hospital, according to new proposals from the South Eastern Trust.
It would however mean the closure of the Minor Injuries Units at both the Ard and Bangor Community Hospitals.
Those proposals are up for discussion during a 12 week public consultation, which opened on Wednesday and closes on Wednesday 3 May.
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Senior Emergency Department Consultant, Dr Andrew Dobbin said medical staff remained committed to providing "the highest standard and quality of care to the people who need us".
“We believe that change is required and the creation of an Urgent Care Centre at the Ulster Hospital, 4.7 miles from Newtownards, would provide the population with a more comprehensive service than is currently available at the Ards Minor Injuries Unit and ensure that the service is more sustainable for the future," he said.
“Having the new Consultant led Urgent Care Centre alongside the Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital would give easy access to medical assessment and clinical investigations.
"This service would include longer opening hours than are currently available in Ards."
The Trust said it valued the Ards and Bangor Community Hospitals and would examine "ways to make best use of any available space for local services".
It also said that discussions with staff had taken place and that it would work with Trade Unions to see how it might impact staff members.
"The Trust plans to hold a series of public and online events to have a conversation about the proposed changes," a spokesperson said.
"The dates will be published on our website and in the local media in the coming weeks."
A copy of the consultation document and information on the consultation process can be found on the Trust’s website at the following link: https://setrust.hscni.net/getinvolved/consultations
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