Campaign for Daisy Hill's ED heats up

By Iveren McCallion

A major protest rally for Daisy Hill Hospital's Emergency Department will be held in Newry tomorrow.

Staffing problems have threatened the department with reduced opening hours.

Thousands are expected at the council-led event which the Southern Trust has thrown its support behind.

A Trust spokesperson says it welcomes "the public support for Daisy Hill Hospital".

They continued, "The public rally will be another opportunity for local people to express support for the hospital and the excellent services provided by our staff."

The Trust says that "action is being taken to stabilise the department's rotas" while long-term solutions are sought.

The event which takes place tomorrow (Saturday) from eleven at Middlebank.

Meanwhile the district council is asking those attending the rally to park in Newry City Centre car parks.

Disabled parking within the vicinity of Middlebank will be available, and blue badges will be checked and must be on display.

Traffic will be directed by the PSNI during the rally.