Maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital temporarily closed due to 'unexpected staff sickness'
The temporary suspension of maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital this weekend has caused “serious concerns for staff and patients”, a local MLA has said.
In a statement on the Southern Health Trust social media pages in the early hours of Saturday morning (June 20), a spokesperson said that due to “unexpected staff sickness within Obstetrics and Gynaecology services, the Trust is unable to provide safe medical cover on the Daisy Hill site this weekend.”
The suspension is in place from Friday evening (June 19) until 9am on Monday, June 22, with all obstetric and gynaecology care being provided at Craigavon Area Hospital.
The statement added: “A small number of maternity patients currently in Daisy Hill will be transferred to Craigavon to continue their care.
“We sincerely apologise for any worry or inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
“The Trust continues to face ongoing medical staffing challenges within Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Daisy Hill.
“Whilst we always work hard to avoid this, this divert is part of our established service continuity arrangements, which are designed by our clinical teams to maintain safe, high-quality care when staffing pressures arise.
“Any women who are concerned should phone Craigavon Area Hospital Maternity Assessment Unit for advice – 028 3756 1830
“We continue to keep this under review.”
Responding to the news, DUP MLA Diane Forsythe said on Facebook: “The temporary closure of maternity at Daisy Hill this weekend with services transferred to Craigavon Hospital has understandably caused serious concerns for staff and patients. I have been in contact with the Management of the Trust and Department of Health overnight escalating concerns.”
She added: “There are a number of questions needing answered on this which I will follow up on.
“Ensuring patients receive full and needed care is paramount. Mothers needing to use the unit between now and Monday please follow the advice to ring and travel to Craigavon.
“The amazing staff on the maternity team I know are doing their best but there needs to be clarity and measures in place so this does not happen again.”
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said the temporary closure has caused “dismay” for midwives and expectant mothers.
He added on Facebook: “I’ve submitted an Urgent Oral Question to the Health Minister and have sought an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive of the Southern Trust seeking reassurance that the appropriate actions will be taken to ensure this does not happen again. Both midwives and mothers deserve better.”