Removal of Emergency General surgery from Daisy Hill Hospital confirmed

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has described the decision to remove Emergency General Surgery from Daisy Hill as extremely disappointing.

The Newry and Armagh MLA spoke after the decision was confirmed by the permanent secretary for Health.

“This decision to remove Emergency General surgery from Daisy Hill is deeply disappointing and will cause great concern across all communities served by the hospital.

“The Southern Trust must be clear about what real steps they are taking to secure the safe delivery of services at Daisy Hill now and into the future.

“We will continue to work with other parties and experts through the Daisy Hill future group to protect Daisy Hill for all in our community. 

“Our Health service is facing huge challenges due to a lack of resources and understaffing, this needs to be urgently addressed.

"We need the Executive restored now and all parties working together to invest in our health service to help it deal with the unprecedented challenges it is facing.”

The Department of Health has approved the Southern Health and Social Care Trust decision to permanently consolidate emergency general surgery services at Craigavon Area Hospital.

Emergency general surgery had been split across Craigavon and Daisy Hill Hospital until a shortage of general surgery consultants led to the temporary suspension of provision at Daisy Hill.

Today’s decision makes that temporary position permanent. More in the Newry Democrat tomorrow, Tuesday.