A possible move of maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry could put lives at risk, Unison representative Rachel Killen has warned. She said she did not want to alarm pregnant women in rural areas, but the risks of care moving further away could not be ignored.
The Southern Trust says it intends to retain maternity services at Daisy Hill, where about 1,700 babies are delivered each year. Difficulty recruiting enough consultant obstetricians could, however, make it necessary to temporarily consolidate the service in Craigavon.
Speaking ahead of a public meeting in Newry on Thursday evening, Killen, joint secretary of Unison’s Newry and Mourne branch, described uncertainty among staff and expectant parents. She raised concerns about how women without cars would reach Craigavon and whether ambulances would be available.
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