The parents of an 18-year-old with a learning disability have questioned the criteria used to decide ward placements after their daughter’s stoma surgery was deferred. Karen and Anthony Kelly say they had written confirmation that Regan would be cared for on the children’s ward at Causeway Hospital, but were told on arrival that she would be on an adult ward.

The family says Regan, who also has epilepsy and autism, is susceptible to serious infections, particularly urinary tract infections, which they believe are more prevalent in adult wards. Mrs Kelly said UTIs are debilitating for Regan, causing fatigue and increased seizures.

Mr Kelly described being told of the change when they arrived for surgery as devastating. Mrs Kelly said it was distressing and heartbreaking. The couple said they had been assured by several medical staff that there would be no issue with Regan being on the children’s ward.

A rescheduled date was later sent, but the letter stated Regan would be on the adult surgical ward. The surgery has now been deferred again to allow further discussion with the family.

The Northern Health Trust apologised for the distress caused and said there is no specific policy restricting admission to a children’s ward by age, but established practice is that children are generally cared for in paediatric services up to age 16. The trust said a surgical ward with experienced nurses was considered safest for Regan’s post-operative care.

The Department of Health said paediatric services are generally for those aged 0-18, but clinicians take a person-centred approach. The family said they know of people up to age 24 who have been accommodated on the children’s ward at Causeway.

The Kellys want reassurance that Regan will be in a safe, clean environment. Mrs Kelly said parents in Northern Ireland do not matter and that the transition from children’s to adult services is horrendous.