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Saoradh has condemned the decision by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to suspend maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, from 23 November. The party said the decision is a concern for expectant mothers, their families and those who depend on accessible maternity services close to home. It has called on the Trust to reverse the decision and to commit to restoring a full maternity service at Daisy Hill.
Saoradh said it stands in solidarity with the campaign to defend Daisy Hill Hospital. It is calling on the Trust to immediately reverse the decision to suspend maternity services, provide a clear and binding commitment to restore a full maternity service at Daisy Hill, address the shortages of specialist staff through recruitment, training and investment, and end the centralisation and erosion of essential hospital services.
A Saoradh spokesperson said: "There can be no acceptance of maternity services being removed from Daisy Hill without a clear, credible and properly funded commitment to their restoration. Temporary suspensions must not become permanent closures by stealth.
The party said there can be no acceptance of maternity services being removed from Daisy Hill without a clear, credible and properly funded commitment to their restoration. It said: “Temporary suspensions must not become permanent closures by stealth.”
The party rejected the expectation that patients should travel greater distances to access essential healthcare. It said this is not a reasonable or sustainable alternative for many families, particularly those without reliable transport, those with disabilities and those facing financial hardship. In maternity care, it said, unnecessary additional journeys can bring further anxiety and risk at an already vulnerable time.
