Businesses urged to do their bit for the Downe

Businesses urged to do their bit for the Downe

1 April 2015

THE head of a Downpatrick engineering firm has appealed for more businesses to get behind the Downe Hospital campaign.

Ciaran Cooper, chief executive of CM Precision Components based the Brannish Road, was last week presented with a Love the Downe banner by the Down Community Health Committee.

The Downpatrick firm is the workplace of Killough man Sean McLaughlin whose life was saved by an off-duty nurse last November while he was taking part in a charity boxing match in Ardglass. When the 44 year-old was competing he suffered a heart attack and was assisted by first aiders from the Order of Malta and coronary care nurse Roisin Dorrian.

Mr. Cooper, who employs 22 people at his engineering firm which does work for a number of leading blue chip companies, said his work colleague had to be taken to the Ulster Hospital following his heart attack as the accident and emergency department at the Downe was closed.

“The Downe Hospital is vital to us, delivering the services that not only we require, but the people of this area,” he continued. “We have a very good safety record, but we have had a few incidents over recent years and have taken our staff to the Downe for treatment.”

Mr. Cooper said he remembers one particular injury and employee suffered which required a considerable number of stitches when he was taken to the Downe.

“I dread to think what would have happened if the member of staff had to be taken to Belfast, he may have bled to death given the nature of his injury which required,” he explained.

“We are dealing with metal and metal filings are blown off parts we are manufacturing. Even with the best safety equipment in the world accidents can happen. That is why it’s vital for us to have a hospital nearby. We open on Saturdays but of course we no longer have an A&E services in Downpatrick at the weekend, just a minor injuries service.”

Mr. Cooper added: “I would encourage other businesses in this area to display ‘Love the Downe’ posters and show their support. I believe it’s important more businesses get involved in the campaign to retain the local hospital. 

“Think about the security we have knowing it is there if we need it. We all want to see the Downe providing more, especially the level of A&E service we require. Everyone in business and in this community needs the comfort and safety net of knowing our hospital is close at hand. Taking people to hospital in Belfast along what is a busy and dangerous road could lead to potential accidents en route and no one wants this.

Mr. Cooper was presented with the Love the Downe banner by Community Health Committee officials Eamonn McGrady and Anne Trainor who said they were delighted with the local firm’s support.

Mr. McGrady, the campaign group’s chairman, said it was “particularly significant” CM Precision Components was supporting the hospital campaign given what happened to Sean McLaughlin last November.