Recruitment Challenges at Daisy Hill

Following the resignation of a senior Daisy Hill Hospital, Emergency Department staff member, due to leave their post in early 2016, the Southern Health Trust has vowed to continue to exhaust every recruitment option to attract senior medical staff to the hospital.

A spokesperson for the Southern Trust said “The Trust has been open about our challenges with the recruitment and retention of senior medical staff in Daisy Hill Hospital. 

"We continue to face challenges with the recruitment and retention of senior medical staff required to safely sustain the Emergency Department at Daisy Hill hospital on a 24/7 basis.

They added "This challenge increased recently with the resignation of a senior member of staff based in the Emergency Department in Daisy Hill Hospital. This member of staff will leave their post in February 2016.

"We will continue, over the coming months, to exhaust every recruitment option to attract senior medical staff to work in Daisy Hill Hospital. However, the UK-wide shortage of Middle Grade and Consultant emergency medical staff continues to present significant difficulties with both recruitment and retention of suitably qualified doctors.  

"Senior medical staff from Daisy Hill and Craigavon Hospitals recently agreed a management plan for the emergency department in Daisy Hill so it can remain open overnight and these new arrangements are now in-place and are working effectively."

Paula Clarke, Southern Trust (Interim) Chief Executive said “Ensuring the delivery of safe, high quality care to our patients is and always will be our focus. Despite the challenges and setback of losing an experienced senior member of staff, we have an excellent team in Daisy Hill and we remain committed to a 24/7 ED service in Daisy Hill.

"We are working with the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency to do everything possible to maintain this service." 

The interim Chief Executive concluded "We will continue to ensure that the public is kept informed of any developments or changes on this important local issue.”