Aontú representatives challenge Daisy Hill Maternity Services decision
Aontú representatives Liam Reichenberg, Róisín Mulgrew and Daniel Connolly challenged the Southern Health and Social Care Trust today (Tuesday, 3 November) as it voted to suspend inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital from the 23rd of November.
The three attended the Trust Board meeting in Newry, questioning the impact on expectant mothers, Craigavon's capacity and the future of maternity services at Daisy Hill.
Liam Reichenberg expressed his disappointment directly to the Board.
“This is the third meeting I've attended on this issue, either as an Aontú representative or SOS Daisy Hill committee member. We've repeatedly made the case for retaining maternity services, yet here we are again.
“We recognise the staffing difficulties, but a temporary suspension must not become permanent removal. We need a credible, properly resourced plan to bring maternity back.”
Daniel Connolly, a Keady native and father of three, spoke from personal experience.
“One of my children was born in Daisy Hill, just as I was. Another was born in Craigavon, and our third was born at home with the fantastic home birth team.
“I asked the Trust about provision for all three, including what additional capacity Craigavon will have and how home birth services will be protected.
“I also asked whether there has been formal engagement with the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, who represents Newry and Armagh. If mothers are being expected to travel further, often along roads riddled with potholes, what additional investment and attention will those roads receive?
“The people of Newry, Craigavon and everywhere in between don't want maternity services moved out of Daisy Hill.
“I appealed directly to the Board: please put the trust back into the Health and Social Care Trust. Stretch every sinew to keep maternity services at Daisy Hill.”
Róisín Mulgrew, Aontú's Newry and Armagh representative and SOS Daisy Hill committee member, said: “Just over a week ago, thousands marched to defend Daisy Hill. Today, we've been told its inpatient maternity services are being suspended.
“Ten years after Bengoa, communities like ours are still losing vital services. We need genuine efforts to recruit and retain staff, including exploring cross-border cooperation, rather than accepting that centralisation is inevitable.
“If this suspension is genuinely temporary, the Trust must publish a clear route back, with measurable steps and a timetable.
“Daisy Hill's staff and the families they serve deserve better. This decision is a setback, but it must not be the final word.”