Daisy Hill Emergency Department Reopens

After seven months closure Daisy Hill Hospital’s Emergency Department has now reopened on a 24/7 basis. It follows the movement of the Emergency Department to Craigavon Hospital in March as part of the Southern Trusts Covid-19 response.

Months and months of lobbying by the Daisy Hill Hospital Pathfinder Group and local political representatives have resulted in today's reopening, saving a 40 miniute trip to Craigavon Hospital, or much longer if you were from parts of South Armagh or South Down.

The Trust now advise that all patients needing immediate acute care should go to the main ED entrance at Daisy Hill.

Paying tribute to staff who have returned to Daisy Hill, Director of Acute Services for the Southern Trust Melanie McClements said “We sincerely thank our Emergency Department and Direct Assessment Unit teams from Daisy Hill and indeed all those other staff who moved to work alongside their Craigavon colleagues in response to the first surge of this pandemic. 

“There has been a real team effort by staff throughout Daisy Hill to get the hospital ready for the return of the ED, from estates and support services, to other departments which have reorganised to accommodate medical beds. 

“With cases of COVID-19 rising in our community and more patients being admitted to hospital, recent weeks have been a stark reminder of the challenges that we have always highlighted in trying to rebuild our services. 

“While we are delighted that Daisy Hill’s ED is reopened, with continued demands on our services and the growing threat of COVID-19 putting pressures on our workforce, this is a worrying time. 

“We pay tribute to all of our staff for their determination and dedication to their patients and appeal to everyone to please help us to protect services for those who need them most by following our guidance and only coming to our emergency departments with acute urgent symptoms.” 

Advice when coming to the Emergency Department

Please only come to the Emergency Department with acute urgent symptoms – could you speak to your GP or community pharmacist first? 

• Come alone if you can
• Wear a face covering
• Sanitise your hands
• Keep your distance
• Please follow the signage and staff guidance at all times