Daisy Hill ED concerns taken to Civil Service head

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Monday, 24 April 2017 09:45

Daisy Hill Hospital's Emergency Department has been described by the Trust as 'vulnerable' after failed failed attempts to recruit senior emergency doctors.

By Iveren McCallion

A group of Sinn Fein representatives will meet the head of the Civil Service later (Monday) amid concerns for Daisy Hill's Emergency Department.

The Newry hospital's Accident and Emergency Department is at risk of short-term closure because the Southern Health and Social Care Trust is struggling to recruit top doctors.

There are currently just two permanent senior doctors in a department that requires at least ten to function comfortably. Shifts are being filled by locum doctors that are being flown in from as far afield as South Africa according to Trust Medical Director Doctor Richard Wright.

Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy will lead the delegation.

They plan to get Malcolm McKibbins' support to hold the Southern Trust to account for failings in staffing.