Southern Health Trusts still moving maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital despite protests
Despite a major street protest by the public, plans are going ahead to temporarily move maternity services from Newry to Craigavon Area Hospital – meaning a possible two hour journey for some anxious mothers-to-be.
Major crowds turned out in Newry on Sunday to highlight their concerns.
South Down DUP MLA Diane Forsythe attended the protest.
"It already takes nearly an hour to travel to the hospital,” she said. “The new proposals could mean a two-hour drive.”
"It’s not just anger, it’s absolute stress and devastation that people in Kilkeel and Annalong are feeling. This decision could be the difference between life or death and the anger is palpable in the local community."
Last month the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said a temporary contingency plan could see no babies born in the maternity department at Daisy Hill Hospital, Press Association reported.
Stormont Health Minister Robbie Butler told the Assembly: “No final decision has been taken to relocate inpatient maternity services from Daisy Hill [to Craigavon Area Hospital], however the consultant workforce position has become increasingly fragile".
Daisy Hill requires a minimum of eight consultant obstetricians to maintain a safe rota but retirements and resignations has seriously weakened the workforce, he said. Absences at Craigavon Area Hospital have also undermined contingency arrangements for Daisy Hill.
He said the Trust has advertised nationally and internationally, and “explored enhanced locum rates”, but has not been able to secure the consultants required.
Hundreds of people turned out at a protest in Newry on Sunday against proposals.
However the Southern Area Trust told the News Letter on Monday they were still going ahead.
“The Southern Trust is continuing its extensive recruitment drives and efforts to obtain regional support to secure Consultant Obstetricians for Daisy Hill Hospital," the trust told the News Letter in a statement.
“However the consultant obstetric workforce needed to safely maintain inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital by mid-November has not yet been confirmed."
"We are therefore continuing to plan to temporarily consolidate births and inpatient maternity care at Craigavon Area Hospital from 23 November 2026.
“Despite sustained national and international recruitment, the Trust has been unable to fill the vacancies, reflecting a wider shortage across Northern Ireland and the UK. An additional five permanent consultants are needed to provide a safe service at Daisy Hill."
The intention remains to maintain inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital, provided sufficient clinical expertise can be recruited and retained to support “a safe and sustainable service”.
It added: "We deeply appreciate the strength of public support for local maternity services and recognise how important these services are to women, families and the wider community.”
Anyone with concerns can call the maternity information line on 028 3756 1325, Monday to Friday, 2.00pm–5.00pm.
A further update will be provided at the public Trust Board meeting on Tuesday 3 November at Monaghan Row, Newry.
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said her party has been working with the Southern Trust, Health Ministers and the local community to find a safe solution.
She added: "Every effort must now be made to recruit the clinical staff needed, including support from other Trusts and, where possible, across the island of Ireland."