Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh, Dáire Hughes, has raised the issues surrounding maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital.
Speaking at Thursday’s Southern Trust Board meeting, Dáire Hughes said:
“Last week’s suspension of services demonstrated the fragility of maternity at Daisy Hill Hospital. Whilst we understand the causes of this suspension and understand the need for patient safety to be paramount in decision making, we need assurances that everything possible is being done to avoid a repeat of this.
“The temporary suspension of maternity services caused distress to patients and staff alike. Daisy Hill’s maternity unit provides a very good service, thanks to the excellent, committed staff, but it is clear that additional support is needed to secure consistent services.”
Speaking after the meeting the Newry Armagh MP said:
“It is welcome that the Trust remains committed to maternity services at Daisy Hill and that recruitment for key medical staff is currently underway. We hope that these positions are filled quickly in order to build capacity and resilience at Daisy Hill.
“There are wider concerns, across the north, about coordinated workforce planning and skills development. Sinn Féin will be raising this with the Health Minister to see what steps he is taking to ensure services like maternity at Daisy Hill are not put at further risk.”
CRÍOCH/ENDS
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