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The Southern Trust has stated it is continuing to try to secure Consultant Obstetricians for Daisy Hill Hospital while also preparing contingency arrangements to temporarily consolidate births and inpatient maternity care at Craigavon Area Hospital from 23 November 2026. The latest update follows today's Southern Trust presentation at the Health Committee.
The Trust says that no formal decision has been taken and efforts to secure the necessary clinical expertise are continuing. A further update will be given at the public Trust Board meeting at Monaghan Row, Newry, on Tuesday 3 November.
Trust Chief Executive Steve Spoerry said the workforce needed to keep inpatient maternity services running safely at Daisy Hill has not yet been confirmed.
“While extensive efforts continue across the regional Health and Social Care system, the consultant obstetric workforce needed to safely maintain inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital by mid-November has not yet been confirmed.”
He said the Trust is therefore continuing to plan for possible consolidation from Monday 23 November 2026.
The Trust have stated the service is facing significant workforce pressure following the retirement and resignation of several consultant obstetricians and despite sustained national and international recruitment, the Trust has been unable to fill the vacancies, which reflects a wider shortage in Ireland and the UK. An additional five permanent consultants are needed to provide a safe service at Daisy Hill.
Mr Spoerry said: “We deeply appreciate the strength of public support for local maternity services and recognise how important these services are to women, families and the wider community. We understand the concern this situation is causing. We are grateful to women, families, staff, trade unions, elected representatives and others who have shared their views, ideas and feedback.
“Our intention remains to maintain inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital, provided that sufficient clinical expertise can be recruited and retained to support a safe and sustainable service. Our overriding priority remains the safety of women and babies and ensuring every woman has access to safe, responsive maternity care.
“We greatly appreciate the continued efforts of our HSC and Health Service Executive partners to find solutions to avoid this situation. However, if sufficient cover cannot be confirmed, we will have no alternative but to implement the contingency plan developed with teams at both hospitals and regional partners from the 23 November.”
He added: “Recruitment drives and efforts to secure support will continue.
“I thank our maternity team for their professionalism and compassionate care throughout these difficult circumstances. They are doing everything possible to support women and families through this period of uncertainty.”
Maternity staff are contacting women due to give birth at Daisy Hill Hospital after 23 November. Anyone with concerns who has not been contacted should speak to their midwife or call the maternity information line on 028 3756 1325, Monday to Friday, 2.00pm to 5.00pm.
