Write a comment
MLA Justin McNulty has said it is "extraordinary" that the Department of Health has not included Newry in the public consultation on the future of the North's hospital network.
His comments come following the Department of Health's announcement that their consultation meeting for the Southern Trust Area would be held in Armagh City.
Speaking on the matter, McNulty expressed concern about accessibility for residents across the region. "I am urging the Health Minister to schedule a public meeting in Newry on the future of our hospital network. I don't think it is reasonable to expect people from Crossmaglen, Newry and Kilkeel to travel to Armagh to participate in a public consultation on the future of our hospitals."
The Newry and Armagh public representative highlighted previous issues with consultation processes in the area. "Previous attempts at consultation by the Southern Trust in relation to emergency general surgery withdrawal significantly undermined public confidence in this area. I am urging the Department of Health to learn from the mistakes made by the Southern Trust, and to listen to the people of Newry, South Armagh and South Down."
McNulty also voiced his opposition to proposed changes to Daisy Hill Hospital's designation. "The Department of Health has proposed designating Daisy Hill as a 'General Hospital, providing defined secondary care services...geared to a specific, more isolated geographical location.' I do not believe this is an appropriate designation for Daisy Hill, and neither do the vast majority of the people I represent. The Department of Health needs to schedule a public meeting in Newry to listen to the views of the community and to act in accordance with those views."
The Department of Health have scheduled a public meeting to discuss their plans for the Southern Trust area at Armagh City Hotel on Tuesday 18 February from 7 to 9pm.
