Public Rally planned for Newry to oppose removal of Maternity services from Daisy Hill

The SOS Daisy Hill Committee has confirmed its total opposition to the proposed temporary suspension of maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry. As part of the campaign the group announced a public rally in Newry on Sunday 25 October and is asking political leaders to press the Minister for Health to intervene.

The group said that almost 1,200 people attended the public meeting in Newry last Thursday, along with MLAs, MPs and elected representatives. The committee said the message from the meeting was clear, that people in Newry and the wider district do not accept the proposed temporary removal of maternity services from the hospital.

Committee member Eddy Curtis said the strength of feeling in the room left no room for doubt. "We need the Minister to intervene immediately and work with the Southern Trust to identify whatever temporary measures are necessary to maintain maternity services at Daisy Hill," he said.

He added: "A temporary suspension must not become the first step towards a permanent reduction in services."

Emails have been sent to First Minister Michelle O'Neill, all Newry, Mourne and Down District Council party leaders, the Council Chairperson and all Assembly leaders. The committee is asking every party to confirm its opposition to the proposed suspension and to request immediate intervention by the Minister.

It also wants parties to demand that every possible temporary staffing and service solution is explored, and to request the full evidence supporting the proposed suspension. Assurances are being sought that a temporary suspension will not become a permanent withdrawal of maternity services, along with meaningful engagement with the local community.

Chairman Francis Gallagher said the committee recognises the challenges facing the Health Service, particularly around staffing. However, he said a temporary removal of a service "cannot simply be accepted without every possible alternative being explored."

"Maternity is a fundamental service for our community," he said. "Families should be able to have their babies locally, with safe, accessible and properly staffed maternity care available at Daisy Hill."

Gallagher called on the Minister for Health and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to engage urgently with the community. He said they should provide clear evidence showing why the suspension is necessary, what alternatives have been considered and what measures can be put in place to maintain the service.

"Our campaign will continue until every possible option has been exhausted to protect maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital," he said. The committee said it will continue to campaign peacefully and constructively.

Newry Rally on Sunday 25 October

The committee confirmed at last Thursday's meeting that a major public rally will be held in Marcus Square, Hill Street, Newry, on Sunday 25 October at 2.30pm.

Everyone who cares about the future of Daisy Hill Hospital and maternity services is being asked to attend. The committee is particularly appealing to individuals and families, community and voluntary organisations, local businesses and business organisations, and sporting organisations and clubs. It is also calling on farmers and farming organisations, trade unions and representative organisations, community groups, churches and faith organisations, local elected representatives, and residents from Newry and the wider district.

The committee said the rally will give the community another opportunity to show the strength of opposition to the proposed suspension and to send a clear message to the Minister for Health and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

Its message to the people of Newry is a pointed one: "YOU CAN NO LONGER SAY YOU WERE BORN AND BRED IN NEWRY."

The rally takes place in Marcus Square, Hill Street, Newry, on Sunday 25 October at 2.30pm.