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Slieve Gullion Councillor David Taylor has expressed disappointment and concern at the Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s decision to temporarily transfer inpatient maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital. He has met Trust leaders to discuss the decision and the next steps. Cllr Taylor has called on the Department of Health and the Trust to show their commitment to Daisy Hill through investment, resources and strategic focus.
Councillor Taylor met the Trust Chair, Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and members of the Integrated Maternity and Women’s Health team. He said: “I have met today with the Trust Chair, Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and members of the Integrated Maternity and Women’s Health team to discuss the Board’s decision and the next steps.
“I raised a number of specific issues, including what action is continuing to be taken to recruit the consultant obstetric workforce needed to support the restoration of inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital. I also asked whether a timeframe would be established for the return of these services. The ability of Craigavon Area Hospital to manage the additional pressures was another concern I highlighted.”
Cllr Taylor also spoke about the reaction to the decision. “This decision will understandably cause considerable concern across the local community, particularly among expectant mothers, their families and staff at the hospital.
“However, this cannot be the end of the matter. It is essential that inpatient maternity services are restored at Daisy Hill Hospital as soon as possible.”
He said he had raised the issue before. “Daisy Hill Hospital is widely recognised as a vital part of Northern Ireland’s hospital network. This is a view shared by me and the wider community in Newry and across the district. I have previously raised the importance of maintaining maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital, including at a recent meeting with the Department of Health.”
Cllr Taylor added: “People are increasingly weary and frustrated by the ongoing battle to retain services at Daisy Hill Hospital. I therefore call on both the Department of Health and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to demonstrate their commitment to the hospital through the investment, resources and strategic focus needed to protect, retain and develop its services.
“Daisy Hill Hospital is an essential asset to our community. Our local population deserves the reassurance that its future will be protected and that the hospital will receive the support and investment necessary to secure and strengthen the services it provides.”
