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Following weeks of concern over Daisy Hill Hospital a local MLA has cautiously welcomed what he describes as “signs of optimism” for Daisy Hill Hospital, saying that while some progress has been made, much more is needed. Welcoming a Trust recruitment campaign MLA Justin McNulty believes that pressure needs to be kept up.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “I very much welcome the fact that the Southern Trust has diverted consultants to Daisy Hill to stabilise services, and that the Trust will be undertaking a substantial recruitment exercise in September with a view to recruiting 100 new medics over the next year, 60-70% of whom will be posted to Daisy Hill.
“At the start of the summer, people and communities across our area were left reeling when it became clear that Daisy Hill had been sent into freefall. At that time, there was an overwhelming response locally, with 10,000 people taking to the streets to fight for Daisy Hill. I cannot credit our local community enough with applying such massive pressure to the health authorities. That pressure is what has made the Trust sit up, listen and act."
Mr McNulty believes that it's hugely important that we hold our focus and keep the collective pressure on. "Progress has been made, but much more is needed. Emergency General Surgery and Stroke Services must be returned to our hospital. Staff at Daisy Hill must get the support that they need. Abysmal ambulance coverage in our area must be enhanced, and Daisy Hill’s Acute Hospital Status must be guaranteed beyond a shadow of a doubt." he said.
The Newry and Armagh representative added “People and communities across Newry, South Armagh, and South Down have point blank refused to accept the diminution of services or second-class status for our hospital. The strong stance we have taken has made the health authorities sit up and pay attention. It is vital that we maintain that pressure and keep shouting in one, clear voice for the future of Daisy Hill.”
