Decision to temporarily move Daisy Hill’s maternity care unit to Craigavon Area Hospital approved by Southern Trust Board
The Southern Trust Board has confirmed that births and inpatient maternity care will temporarily consolidate at Craigavon Area Hospital from 23 November 2026, while efforts continue to recruit consultant obstetricians for Daisy Hill Hospital.
The proposal was approved at a public Trust Board meeting today (Tuesday 3 November) following consideration of the current workforce position and the continuity arrangements developed to maintain safe maternity care.
Trust Chief Executive Steve Spoerry said: “Despite extensive efforts across the regional Health and Social Care system, we have not been able to secure the consultant obstetric workforce needed to safely maintain inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital and renew the current rota.
“The Trust Board has therefore agreed that births and inpatient maternity care will temporarily consolidate at Craigavon Area Hospital from Monday 23 November 2026, in order to protect the safety of women and babies.”
A spokesperson said: “The service has been under significant workforce pressure following the retirement and resignation of several consultant obstetricians. Despite sustained national and international recruitment efforts, the Trust has been unable to fill the vacancies, reflecting a wider shortage across Northern Ireland and the UK. Up to five additional permanent consultants are required to provide a safe and sustainable service at Daisy Hill Hospital.
“Recruitment activity and efforts to secure additional support will continue.
Mr Spoerry continued: “Our overriding priority has always been the safety of women and babies, and ensuring that every woman has access to safe, responsive maternity care.
“We deeply appreciate the strong public support for local maternity services and recognise how important they are to women, families and the wider community. We understand the concern this situation is causing and are grateful to everyone who has shared their views, ideas and feedback, including women and families, staff, trade unions, community groups and elected representatives.
“Our intention remains to restore inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital, provided that we can recruit and retain sufficient clinical expertise to support a safe and sustainable service.
“We greatly appreciate the continued efforts of our HSC and Health Service Executive partners to find solutions. However, as sufficient cover has not been secured, we will now implement the continuity plan developed with teams at both hospitals and our regional partners from 23 November.
“I want to thank our maternity team for their professionalism and the compassionate care they continue to provide in these difficult circumstances. They are doing everything possible to support women and families as the temporary arrangements are put in place.”
Maternity staff are contacting women who are due to give birth at Daisy Hill Hospital on or after 23 November. Anyone who has concerns and has not yet been contacted should speak to their midwife or call the maternity information line on 028 3756 1325, Monday to Friday, from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.
Further detailed information will be shared for patients.