‘Deep concerns’ have been raised regarding the capacity of maternity services across the Southern Trust area – in particular at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.
Newry and Armagh MLA, Liz Kimmins, says she has been contacted by maternity staff from Daisy Hill expressing their serious concerns following a meeting with Southern Trust Senior Management.
Recently, maternity patients at Daisy Hill were diverted to Craigavon Area Hospital due to staff shortages, “ongoing issues with staff sickness absence”.
Indeed, the Trust said this operates both ways.
A Trust spokesperson said: “We are very mindful of the continuing workforce challenges across health and social care and Southern Trust is not immune from these.
“We appreciate the ongoing support of families and the public as we work through these challenges.”
However, Ms Kimmins said: “Whilst this is also an issue right across the North, I am now deeply concerned by this development and what this may mean going forward for maternity services in our area.”
The Assembly Health Committee Chairperson concluded: “My Sinn Féin colleague and I have been in direct contact with both the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, and his Permanent Secretary directly, as well as the Southern Trust.
“Sinn Féin will continue to work at this until a viable solution is found to stabilise this vital service for women and babies.”
