Major Concern over Southern Trust recent announcement on removal of services at Daisy Hill

UNISON is expressing deep concern at the recent announcement by the Southern Trust of the “interim” removal of emergency surgery at Daisy Hill Hospital. UNISON Newry and Mourne Joint Branch Secretary, Catherine Farrell, states:

“We have been campaigning for several years to protect and strengthen the Emergency Department at Daisy Hill. We were assured at the beginning of the lockdown period that the ED would reopen, be fully functioning and that emergency medicine would return. We are currently seeking an urgent meeting with Trust Directors to get answers to the numerous questions we have including: Was the failure to recruit surgeons to the site allowed to drift? Where is the equality impact assessment on this decision? This is socially and morally required as the decision will have a major detrimental impact on the services to our community – the fact that there will be no emergency surgery in Newry will undoubtedly impact on patient safety with the huge distance patients will have to travel to Craigavon.

Nuala Conlon, UNISON Regional Organiser, added: “UNISON will continue to defend the interests of our members working in Daisy Hill, protecting their jobs and continue to work with the local community ensuring their voices are heard. The ED in Daisy Hill is always in much demand – with the vast catchment area stretching from Newcastle to Crossmaglen to Newtownhamilton”.