Motion to save Co Down addiction centre

By Donal McMahon

THE Stormont Minister for Health is being lobbied by a council to save a Co Down addiction centre from “risk” of closure.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) approved a motion this week to seek the support of UUP minister, Mike Nesbitt to retain the treatment and support services at Shimna House.

The Downshire hospital has announced an “early alert” that has left elected members “shocked” on the potential failure of the adult rehabilitation unit due to the departure of its consultant.

Downpatrick Sinn Fein rep, Oonagh Hanlon brought forward the motion, saying: “This council notes with concern that services at Shimna House ( Ward 15) at the Downshire Hospital may be at risk.

“This council supports the retention of services at Shimna House Downpatrick and acknowledges the work of the management and staff who provide essential services regionally to support those with alcohol and drug addictions and to support their journey to recovery.

“We agree to write to the Minister for Health and CEO of the South Eastern Trust to note Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s support for full retention of services and trust they will fully commit to ensuring this facility remains open.”

The motion received cross party support throughout the chamber.

Downpatrick SDLP cllr, Gareth Sharvin added:”This morning I spoke to the chief executive of the trust to highlight our concerns about the current situation they face.

“Shimna is a sub-regional service and this just doesn’t affect the South Eastern Trust area, but also provides important services to the Belfast Trust and to the Southern Trust, it’s vitally important we highlight that to the health minister.

“It has been shared by the trust today, they have raised an early alert and there has been a positive response to at least get a locum in place so there is at least a temporary solution as the consultant is leaving.

“We as a council should hold the trust to account. I would propose an amendment to bring our usual November meeting with the trust to an earlier date in September.”

The amendment to the motion was accepted.

Mournes DUP cllr, Henry Reilly said:”I was actually totally shocked when I read this motion, I wasn’t aware that Shimna was under threat.

“I have worked with many parents over the years whose children have got serious addiction issues and there is nowhere for them.

“In reality, whenever you try to get something for kids, who genuinely want to kick their habit of cocaine and other drugs, it is very difficult to get the professional help that those people need.

“The thought of that being taken away, it just beggars belief. It should be enhanced. It is very disturbing and I think we have to do our absolute best to maintain this facility.”