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MLAs from Newry and Armagh, South Down and Upper Bann addressed the Southern Health and Social Care Trust Board in Newry yesterday as it met to decide on moving inpatient maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital. Diane Dodds, Diane Forsythe and Gareth Wilson called on the Trust to set out a clear timeline for restoring maternity services to Daisy Hill. They also said the Health Minister must oppose any further downgrading of the hospital.
In a joint statement, the MLAs said: “It is deeply regrettable that the Trust has been forced into this decision. Removing inpatient maternity services from Daisy Hill is a serious blow to the families who rely on it.”
They said services at Daisy Hill have been under strain for some time. “It is clear that services at Daisy Hill have been under strain for some time. There are now only two full-time permanent consultants, supported by three locums. The Trust confirmed today that those permanent consultants have raised concerns about working without adequate peer support.”
The MLAs also raised concerns about travel for expectant mothers. “No expectant mother should face longer journeys and added anxiety to give birth. For women in places like Kilkeel and Annalong, getting to Craigavon means a long trip on poor rural roads, often at the most critical moment. The safety of women and babies must come first in every decision.”
They also questioned the capacity at Craigavon. “Craigavon Area Hospital will now be expected to handle almost a quarter of all births in Northern Ireland, while operating with only eight of the 12 consultants it needs to run its current service. That raises serious questions about capacity, resilience and patient safety.”
On the next steps, the MLAs said: “The Trust must now set out a clear timeline for restoring maternity services to Daisy Hill. It must also ensure that Craigavon can deliver a safe, reliable and sustainable maternity service in the meantime.”
They added: “The Health Minister must oppose any further downgrading of Daisy Hill and work urgently with the Trust to make that happen.”
The statement concluded: “Families deserve straight answers, real engagement and maternity services they can rely on.”
