Write a commentThe Southern Trust have responded to a query from Newry.ie regarding suggestions from local political representatives that Acute Surgeries at Daisy Hill were being moved from Daisy Hill to Craigavon Hospital. The Trust state that Emergency Surgical Service will return 19 October at same time the hospital's Emergency Department is expected to reopen.
We asked the Trust were acute services/ surgeries being transferred from Daisy Hill and if so will this affect the pending return of Daisy Hill Emergency Department and lastly how does an Emergency Department in a hospital without acute services/ surgeries work?
In their reply the Trust state they have been working with the Pathfinder group to reopen 19 October and say Emergency Surgical Service will return at the same time. They add that all options on the long term delivery of surgical care across the Trust are being explored.
The Trust explained that Emergency Surgery at Daisy Hill Hospital was temporarily suspended in March, as part of the consolidation of services on to one site at Craigavon to manage the Covid-19 first surge.
A Spokesperson said "Planned surgery continued from Daisy Hill over the past seven months for patients from across the Trust.
"The Trust has been working with the Pathfinder group over the last few months to reopen the Emergency Department at Daisy Hill on October 19th.
"The Emergency Surgical service will also return on this date.
"Surgical workforce issues are a huge challenge across the region and we are currently working through the implications of these on our services at both Daisy Hill and Craigavon.
The Spokesperson concluded "All options on the long term safe delivery of surgical care across the Trust are currently being explored and will be part of our on-going community discussions.”
