“The uncertainty which has been created around the future of emergency surgery at Daisy Hill Hospital is adding to an already intolerable situation”. Nicola Grant of the Workers Party has said.

“Like many local people, I am seriously concerned that we are witnessing the downgrading of the hospital by stealth”, she said.

“I have written to the Southern Trust Board and posed  5 Questions which, if answered, would at least shed more light on Daisy Hill’s future and the services that will be available locally. It would also allow for a more informed and focussed discussion”.

The Five Questions

1. What is your long term vision for Daisy Hill? Do you have a plan that you are prepared to share with us?

2. How temporary is ‘temporary‘? When will you be proposing to review the current situation?

3  Are you committed to providing emergency surgery at Daisy Hill Hospital or have you already taken a decision to move it off site?

4  Are you prepared to publish details of your recruitment strategy to enlist additional surgeons?

5. What plans have you to conduct a public consultation exercise  to take the views of the public into account?

“We are talking about the very future of Daisy Hill and local hospital services”, Nicola said “the public has an unquestionable right to know exactly what is being planned, why and to have a meaningful involvement in those discussions”, she said