White line protests in two local towns

White line protests in two local towns

29 July 2015

THE latest in a series of white line protests to demonstrate community opposition to service cuts at the Downe Hospital took place in Newcastle and Castlewellan last weekend.

Members of the Down Community Health Committee were joined by residents and politicians at Main Street in Newcastle and at Upper Square in Castlewellan last Saturday.

A series of white line protests have already been held in Downpatrick and Ballynahinch as part of the ongoing campaign to have 24-hour accident and emergency provision and the dedicated coronary care ward reinstated at the Downe Hospital.

South Down MLA Chris Hazzard and councillor Colin McGrath have praised hospital campaigners who organised last weekend’s protests and those who took part.

Mr Hazzard said it was particularly encouraging to see local activists on the streets in both towns and to receive such a warm and resolute welcome from passing motorists. He said the wider South Down community had once again illustrated its demand for a locally enhanced hospital at the Downe.

“The Health Minister and South Eastern Trust must listen to local demands and ensure that not only does the Downe Hospital have a future, but that the future status of the hospital is an enhanced service fit to meet local needs,” he added.

Councillor McGrath welcomed what he described as the “continued community resolve” to support the retention and enhancement of services at the Downe.

He continued: “‘We will always be on ‘watch’ to protect the services at the Downe. We must never sit back and let the few services that we have left at the hospital facility be put in danger.

“The Down Community Health Committee is doing sterling work with sticker campaigns, white line protests and other events to keep the community of Down galvanised in our resolve to protect and enhance services at our local health facility.”

Councillor McGrath said he was pleased to attend the white line protests and is urging others to support initiatives being spearheaded by hospital campaigners.”