McNulty Urges Community to Make All Voices Heard on Future of Daisy Hill

SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty is calling on local people to ensure that their voice is heard on the future of Daisy Hill Hospital.

Mr. McNulty was speaking after attending the Department of Health’s public consultation event on the future of the North’s hospital network.  The consultation was held in the Armagh City Hotel on Tuesday 18th February 2025.

Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said:

“As the only Newry & Armagh MLA in attendance at the Department of Health’s consultation event, I made it clear that I do not support the proposal to downgrade Daisy Hill to General Hospital status, nor do the people I represent. 

“I put forward the case very strongly that designating Daisy Hill as a hospital to cater for people in a geographically isolated area is a totally inappropriate suggestion.

“Daisy Hill is a vital lifeline for people in Newry, South Armagh, and South Down.  It serves a vast geographic area with a significant and rapidly growing population.  Furthermore, the area served by Daisy Hill experiences some of the worst health indicators in the North, which is why I fundamentally cannot understand, or support, the Department of Health’s moves to diminish the hospital’s footprint.

“The Department of Health’s consultation on the future of the North’s hospital network remains open until next Friday, 28th February.  I would strongly encourage everyone in our community to respond to the consultation, and to make your voices heard.”

ENDS