Hospital reconfigurations will have ‘significant and negative impacts’: SOS Daisy Hill

The group says that they strongly believe that while the healthcare system requires reform to meet the needs of a growing and aging population, the proposals outlined in this consultation will have “significant and negative impacts” on the community.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Over the past weeks, we have heard from many concerned residents, healthcare professionals, and local stakeholders who fear that the current plans will result in the centralisation of services, leading to reduced access to vital healthcare.

"In particular, we are deeply concerned that the proposed changes will disproportionately affect rural areas, where residents will face longer travel times and increased strain on emergency services.

“We understand the challenges the health service faces, but the solution cannot come at the expense of local healthcare provision. Our community members have expressed their desire for a system that not only provides quality care but is also accessible and responsive to local needs.

"The consultation process has highlighted widespread concerns about the adequacy of the proposals, especially regarding the categorisation of Daisy Hill Hospital as a General Hospital, and the long term impact this possibly will have on vital facilities that serve as lifelines for many.”

Meanwhile the Committee reiterated its disappointment regarding the Department of Health’s refusal to hold a public consultation in Newry.

"The committee strongly feel that the Department’s refusal has prevented large numbers of Newry, south Armagh and south Down residents from voicing their concerns regarding the consultation paper,” they added.

“We are calling on decision-makers to:

“1. Reassess the proposed Reconfiguration and the impact they will have on rural areas.

“2. Ensure that any reconfiguration prioritises accessibility and equity for all residents, particularly those in remote locations.

“3. Engage more deeply with local communities to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns are genuinely addressed in any future plans.

4. Invest in sustainable healthcare infrastructure that maintains services in both urban and rural areas.

“5. Recategorise Daisy Hill Hospital as an Acute Hospital as it serves the 4th most deprived area in N. Ireland. Of the 17 GP’s Federations in N. Ireland, the second largest Federation is in Newry with 161,000 patients and the third largest council region in Northern Ireland with over 182,000 residents.

“6. The Public Consultation Paper barely mentions the opportunities available by the Department of Health by liaising with the Department of Health in the ROI. We call on closer links between both jurisdictions which could lead to Daisy Hill Hospital increasing the health services it delivers to the residents of Louth Cavan and Monaghan etc.

“We urge the Department of Health to take these concerns seriously and to revisit the plans with a focus on improving healthcare delivery without jeopardising the wellbeing of Northern Ireland communities.

“The SOS Daisy Hill Hospital Committee remains committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions that best serve the needs of our residents and safeguard the future of our healthcare system.”