Taylor Disappointed at Daisy Hill Decision

Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor has expressed his disappointment at the announcement by the Department of Health Permanent Secretary, Peter May that Emergency General Surgery is to be permanently relocated from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital.

Councillor Taylor said:

“The announcement by the Department of Health Permanent Secretary, Peter May regarding the permanent relocation of Emergency General Surgery away from Daisy Hill Hospital is unfortunately one that many of us have feared.  There will be strong anger and disappointment that the service is being permanently removed and it unfortunately has arisen as a result of the ongoing failure by Health officials to offer the necessary long term strategic planning required for Daisy Hill Hospital in terms of the retainment and recruitment of surgical and medical staff necessary to deliver such vital services.  

“Many thousands of our local community attended recent demonstrations to outline their concerns in respect of the future status of services at Daisy Hill Hospital displaying the strength of feeling that exists and indeed the strong passion that there is for the hospital and the staff within it who provide the highest standard of medical treatment to our entire community.

“There must be a concerted focus by Senior Trust officials and the Department of Health to achieve an increased capacity of Consultant General Surgeons in the Trust area.  This is absolutely vital to ensure that emergency surgery service provision can return as a long term service provision at Hospital sites across the Southern Trust area including at Daisy Hill Hospital.

“Daisy Hill Hospital is a major asset particularly in an area with one of the fastest growing populations in Northern Ireland.  The most vital of priorities should be in retaining and attracting new staff to the hospital.  This is paramount to protecting and enhancing its services.

“I will continue to engage with senior Health officials on the development of a long term strategic plan for Daisy Hill Hospital  I know the wider entire community will also press for the commitment and investment our local hospital needs.”

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