McNulty: Health Minister must work to rebuild local trust and confidence

The Newry & Armagh Assembly Member was speaking after meeting with the new Health Minister alongside the SOS Daisy Hill Hospital Committee and the Daisy Hill Future Group.

Mr. McNulty is a staunch defender of Daisy Hill Hospital and has publicly criticised the Southern Trust and the Department of Health for relegating Daisy Hill Hospital to second tier status. Mr. McNulty has consistently advocated for enhanced investment in Daisy Hill and expansion of the hospital’s footprint to establish it as a cross-border centre of excellence.

SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: “I was pleased to welcome Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to Daisy Hill Hospital this week. The message that I delivered was one of total support for Daisy Hill Hospital.

“I urged the Minister to work on rebuilding trust between health decision makers and the local community, including staff at our hospital.

“The Minister’s commitment to safeguarding Daisy Hill for the future is welcome. It is essential that plans to stabilise services are coupled with assertive and ambitious proposals to grow services and build our hospital for the future.

“I have long held the view that working in partnership with the Irish Government to establish Daisy Hill as a key cross-border health hub will be a game changer in realising the full potential of our hospital. This is something I will continue to push locally, in the Assembly, and directly with the Minister."