The SDLP’s Justin McNulty has challenged both the Health Minister and the Southern Trust on the decision to divert mothers and babies away from Daisy Hill to Craigavon Area Hospital last weekend.
The Newry & Armagh MLA has faced sharp criticism from the Trust and political opponents for his staunch defence of services at Daisy Hill and his no compromise approach to the hospital.
Speaking in relation to the diversion of Daisy Hill Maternity patients to Craigavon, Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said:
“The Trust have said that the decision to divert mothers and babies away from Daisy Hill Hospital was due to staff shortages at Daisy Hill’s maternity unit.
“This has raised a red flag for me, because on 14th May this year, in response to questioning on midwifery staffing, the Department of Health stated that there were ‘no unappointed substantive vacancies’ within the Trust, and in fact there was a waiting list of appointees for future vacancies.
“I cannot for the life of me figure out how there are people queuing up to work but the workplace is put on divert due to a lack of staff. This is made even more extraordinary by the fact that a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that the Trust have access to 256 Bank Midwives.
“I have challenged the Health Minister on this directly, and I am having an urgent meeting with Southern Trust Senior Management this week.
“I wholeheartedly understand the pressures on the health service at present, but I will not accept second best for the people I represent. Nor am I prepared to accept stop/go maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital.
“The people of Newry City, South Armagh, and South Down, as well as the incredibly midwifery team need reassurance and confirmation from the Health Minister and the Executive that the full suite of maternity services at Daisy Hill is secure for the long term, on-site, and on a 24/7 basis. Nothing less will do.”
ENDS
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