Causeway Hospital: Public meeting shows minister must save surgery from cuts, says MLA
The Health Minister must listen to the public and save emergency surgery at Causeway Hospital.
That’s according to a DUP MLA after a packed meeting in Coleraine, which saw its town hall filled with people fearing cuts to services.
Inpatient maternity services including births have already been axed from Causeway, and the local community now worries emergency surgery is next for the chop – to be relocated to Antrim Area Hospital, close to an hour’s drive away.
A Thursday night meeting in Coleraine Town Hall, organised by campaign group SOS Causeway Hospital and public services union Unison, saw a huge number of people object to the idea.
East Londonderry MLA Maurice Bradley pointed to the meeting and more than 8,700 signatures on a petition as a reasons to stop any cuts.
“Causeway Hospital provides a vital role not just in the local community, but serving all those who visit the area each year,” said the DUP politician, adding that the local health trust still “appeared determined to remove services”.
He added: “The cross-party support that has been present for the campaign is absolutely vital.
“However, regardless of how powerful the speeches, those words must translate into action.”
Pointing out that the leader of the party Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is in, the UUP’s Jon Burrows, was at the Coleraine meeting, Mr Bradley added: “I would expect a positive decision from the minister quickly.”
Stated the SOS campaign group on social media: “The message is clear, our community will not allow the removal of emergency surgery from Causeway Hospital. It is neither safe or logical.”