Write a commentThe Southern Trust have acknowledged that staff at Daisy Hill Hospital received correspondence in September saying that Acute Surgeries were to be moved to Craigavon Hospital, but they now claim that this was premature and that the position has now changed and this is not the case. That's according to MLA Liz Kimmins who met online with the trust along with other party colleagues today.
It follows a statement from the trust to Newry.ie yesterday saying that Emergency Surgical services would return 19 October, the same time that it is proposed the Emergency Department reopens after being closed for over 6 months.
In a statement Ms Kimmins said "Just finished urgent meeting with Shane Devlin, SHSCT Chief Exec, along with my colleagues Conor Murphy MLA and Mickey Brady MP, following concerns raised by hospital staff around the future of acute surgeries in Daisy Hill.
"Trust have acknowledged correspondence had been issued to staff on 22nd Sept stating that all acute surgeries would now be transferring to Craigavon Hospital, was premature and this position has since changed. Mr Devlin confirmed that just yesterday they then made the decision that emergency surgeries will return to Daisy Hill. This is a short term plan and they are currently working to address challenges on a longer term basis."
The MLA concluded "Sinn Féin will continue to monitor this issue and will ensure that there is NO downgrading to Daisy Hill of any description."
