Write a commentMLA Justin McNulty has revealed that the Southern Trust is to be given the go ahead by the Department of Health to implement the Pathfinder Action Plan for Daisy Hill in full which he says will result in a £6 million investment in the facility over then next three years.
It follows his first meeting with Southern Trust’s new Chief Executive Shane Devlin who according to the Newry and Armagh political representative "Has a very strong vision for the Southern Trust and it is very clear that Daisy Hill Hospital as an Acute Hospital is central to everything he plans to do in the years ahead"
The MLA expects major capital works to be completed before the end of the year at the site.
Speaking on the progress Mr McNulty said "Daisy Hill is a fantastic hospital and the pathfinder report has been crucial in providing a clear and certain future for the hospital, especially our Emergency Department. Dr Telford and her team made a suite of recommendations and the Southern Trust have accepted them in full.
"I understand that the Department of Health have now followed through with all the necessary financial approvals to implement the Pathfinder Report in Full. This is excellent news and will see a mix of capital and resource money invested in Daisy Hill amounting to £6M over the next three years."
Mr McNulty concluded "In the coming months works will commence to create a new Direct Admissions and Direct Assessment Unit adjacent to the Emergency Department. This will help support the work of the Emergency Department and is expected to fast-track patients through to the most appropriate service
"I very much welcome this announcement and this investment and I look forward to seeing the capital works completed with the recruitment process for the staff needed commencing in the near future."
