Council will send response to new hospital blueprint

Council will send response to new hospital blueprint

25 March 2015

DOWN Council is to formally respond to a report on the future of health services in Northern Ireland which suggests the downgrading and closure of small hospitals like the Downe in Downpatrick.

The local authority is to make a detailed response to the Donaldson Report — published at the end of January — which has been criticised by local politicians and hospital campaigners.

At Down Council’s meeting last week, local authority chairman, Billy Walker, said it’s essential the response makes clear the need for the Downe Hospital not only to be retained, but for the reinstatement of a number of key services which have been removed.

Health chiefs axed seven beds at the Downpatrick hospital last December as a result of a cost-cutting move which resulted in the closure of the hospital’s dedicated coronary care ward, while accident and emergency services have been downgraded over recent months. 

Councillor Walker said people are demanding the restoration of 24-hour A&E services, the reopening of the coronary care ward and want additional services delivered at the Downpatrick hospital.

“People took to the streets in their thousands on St. Valentine’s Day in support of the Downe which they are fiercely proud of and loyal to. We need our local hospital and will continue to reinforce that message,” he declared.

“People in Belfast have a choice of hospitals and they are fortunate. Our community needs local hospital services and we will not be found wanting in making this case to the decision-makers who have not given this district a fair deal.”

Councillor Walker said he believes given the Downe is only six years old this summer, its service profile needs to be enhanced. He said the building has the capacity to do more and must be given the opportunity to do so.

“People in rural areas are as entitled to hospital services every bit as much as those who live in the greater Belfast area. We are not asking for specialist services, but should be provided with a lifesaving capability. That means a dedicated coronary care ward and 24-hour accident and emergency provision,” he continued.

Councillor Walker also confirmed that a Down Council delegation will meet with senior officials from the South Eastern Trust next Monday morning to discuss the loss of key services from the Downe.

He added: “The Trust insists the Downe Hospital has a vibrant future. That is something we all want to believe. That vibrant future must include delivering lifesaving services which can stabilise those who are ill before being transferred to hospitals in Belfast, if that is required.”