Obstetrics and gynaecology services at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry have been temporarily suspended this weekend due to “unexpected staff sickness”, the Southern Health Trust has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Friday night, the Trust said it is “unable to provide safe medical cover on the Daisy Hill site this weekend” and has put emergency arrangements in place.
From Friday evening, June 19, until 9am on Monday, June 22, all obstetric and gynaecology care will be provided at Craigavon Area Hospital instead.
A small number of maternity patients who are currently in Daisy Hill are being transferred to Craigavon to continue their care.
The Trust said the move is necessary “to ensure the safety of women and babies”, and stressed that the arrangements form part of its established contingency plans for times of pressure.
In its statement, the Southern Trust said: “Due to unexpected staff sickness within Obstetrics and Gynaecology services, the Trust is unable to provide safe medical cover on the Daisy Hill site this weekend.
“To ensure the safety of women and babies, from Friday evening, June 19, until 9am on Monday, June 22, all obstetric and gynaecology care will be provided at Craigavon Area Hospital.
“A small number of maternity patients currently in Daisy Hill will be transferred to Craigavon to continue their care.
“We sincerely apologise for any worry or inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
“The Trust continues to face ongoing medical staffing challenges within Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Daisy Hill.
“Whilst we always work hard to avoid this, this divert is part of our established service continuity arrangements, which are designed by our clinical teams to maintain safe, high-quality care when staffing pressures arise.
“Any women who are concerned should phone Craigavon Area Hospital Maternity Assessment Unit for advice – 028 3756 1830.
“We continue to keep this under review.”
Women who are pregnant or require urgent gynaecological care over the weekend and who would normally attend Daisy Hill are being advised to contact the Maternity Assessment Unit at Craigavon on 028 3756 1830 for guidance.
