Courts option could be next

Courts option could be next

16 September 2015

HEALTH campaigners have been given the green light to seek legal advice ahead of a potential High Court challenge to the decision to reduce services at the Downe Hospital.

The Downpatrick hospital’s emergency department opening hours were reduced in December 2013 as a result of a shortage of middle grade doctors, while almost 12 months later the dedicated coronary care ward merged with a medical ward.

The merger was part of a series of “contingency measures” the South Eastern Trust imposed across the organisation in line with a directive from the Department of Health which warned its finances did not match what was needed to deliver services across the Province up until the end of March this year.

Campaigners are concerned the decision to close the coronary care ward was taken without public consultation and while the move was described by health officials as “temporary,” the ward remains closed with a number of its staff redeployed to other hospitals.

The Down Community Health Committee was given the green light on Monday night to seek legal advice about possibly seeking a judicial review of the Trust’s decisions. Campaigners say if the matter goes to court, the challenge would be spearheaded by an individual and not the campaign group.

Mrs Anne Trainor said campaigners need to ascertain the appetite for a potential judicial review of the decisions to axe 24-hour accident and emergency provision and the dedicated coronary care ward at the hospital.

“We have taken 20,000 people on to the streets of Downpatrick with us in support of our hospital. We have signed petitions and organised a day of prayer. There are many issues out there and legally challenging decisions to reduce services at our hospital is something I believe that we need to consider,” she told Monday night’s meeting.

“The Down Community Health Committee would not be taking the judicial review, but would be keen for someone in the area to put themselves this forward to do this. I believe legal action is an option we need to give serious consideration to. I believe health chiefs have been patronising towards us and are clearly not listening to what we have to say.”

Mrs Trainor said campaigners will make contact with lawyers to seek advice about a potential High Court challenge of the recent decisions to further downgrade and reduce services at the Downe.

Committee chairman, Mr Eamonn McGrady, suggested asking health unions for their input into discussions about a potential judicial review, issuing a reminder that the South Eastern Trust is a “functionary” organisation with the Department of Health responsible for determining policy.

He declared: “This battle is not about individuals, health trusts or organisations. It is about services for our community and the people who are elected to deliver services in this country are politicians. We are looking to our politicians to take control of these issues, not run away and hide from them.”

Mr McGrady, who revealed campaigners have been waiting for four weeks for a response to an invitation to South Eastern Trust chairman Com McKenna to address one of their meetings, said the health group needs to engage with politicians.

Committee member Aidan Harris said potential legal action was something the group needed to look at.

“We are only looking for advice at this stage,” he said. Seeking legal opinion now is key as we move forward. Ideally we need to speak with someone from the legal profession who lives locally, knows the area and indeed the issues facing our hospital.”

Mr John Carson also encouraged campaigners to do what they can to “find a listening ear” at decision-making level as the campaign to reinstate the coronary ward and 24-hour emergency services at the Downpatrick hospital continues.