MP says Proposal To Locate Hyper Acute Unit To Craigavon doesn't make sense

Commenting after attending a "Reshaping Stroke Services Engagement" facilitated by The Stroke Association NI at the Long Gallery in Stormont, Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady has said that any  plans to reshape Stroke Services must  be carried out in a regionally balanced way, in partnership with those who use and deliver services and with the objective of improved health outcomes for patients at its heart.

Those present at the event listened to presentations from, Dr Michael McBride Chief Medical Officer Department of Health, Dr Angus Ramsey University College London, Brenda Maguire Stroke Association and  Neil Johnson Ni Chest Heart & Stroke.

Mr Brady said "The proposal to locate the Hyper Acute Unit in Craigavon doesn’t make sense. It is essential that any plans to reshape Stroke Services must  be carried out in a regionally balanced way, in partnership with those who use and deliver services and with the objective of improved health outcomes for patients at its heart. Craigavon catchment area is 15/20 minutes from the  Royal Hospital in Belfast whilst Daisy Hill serves an isolated population in South Armagh/South Down. The location of Daisy Hill could also ensure services to be available on a  cross Border basis.

I once again raised the issue of access to vital services in a largely rural and peripheral region with poor infrastructure and public transport links with those present.

The proposal of a limited number of hyper acute units doesn’t recognise the reality of conditions in areas such as this".

The MP also stressed the importance of people having their say by responding to the public consultation, which closes on 19th July.