Farmers speak out in support of the Downe

Farmers speak out in support of the Downe

26 February 2014

FARMERS across the district have warned the dangers associated with the agriculture industry mean it’s vital the Downe Hospital’s emergency department is open seven days a week.

They say there is mounting concern across the farming community about the recent withdrawal of weekend A&E services from the Downpatrick hospital.

Those at the forefront of the agriculture industry say they work seven days a week, not five, insisting health chiefs have not fully considered the implications of removing weekend A&E provision from the area.

A number of farmers have suggested it is somewhat ironic that they would have to drive past the Downe on their way to hospitals in Belfast or Dundonald, if they were injured on a Saturday or Sunday.

Farming families with young children are also concerned at the current lack of access to emergency department provision at the Downe and argue that given the geography of the district, their local hospital should deliver a fully fledged A&E service.

At Downpatrick Farmers’ Mart last week, farmers united in their call for the decision to axe weekend and early evening emergency services at the Downe Hospital to be immediately overturned.

Daniel Gilchrist, from Chapeltown, said farmers can be particularly busy at weekends and need to know they can be treated at their local hospital if they sustain an injury.

“I also have young children and the fact the Downe Hospital’s emergency department is closed at weekends means our and countless other families across the district are totally exposed. This is not right,” he declared.

“I fully support the community campaign to have 24-hour A&E services at the Downe Hospital. Waiting times at hospitals in the greater Belfast area are already excessive and the decision to end weekend emergency provision in Downpatrick will only exacerbate this problem, impacting heavily on patients,” said Mr. Gilchrist.

Ballee farmer John Magilton said concern in the farming community about the weekend closure of emergency services at the Downpatrick hospital is “palpable” and has left many feeling vulnerable.

“The very nature of the farming industry means it’s essential those who are part and parcel of it have access to an A&E unit at their local hospital, not one 20 miles away where the waiting time to be seen can be hours,” he declared.

“Everyone knows and accepts that people with serious injuries are treated in Belfast, but not everyone has to go there. Local people want to be treated at their local hospital when possible. People who do not have access to their own transport are also being hit in the pocket if they have to go a hospital outside the district or visit a relative. It’s not fair.”

John Carson from Ballyculter said people across a wide rural area like Down District need to know their local hospital is there for them.

“Ask anyone in the farming community about the importance of having seven-day access to a local A&E service and they will tell you. Farming does not end at 6pm or stop on Saturdays and Sundays.

“It is a weekly operation and so should our local A&E service. Farming can be a hazardous occupation and I think it’s hilarious that doctors can dictate where they will work and when.

“The tail is certainly wagging the dog as far as doctors are concerned,” he said. “This issue must be addressed and quickly. We need our emergency service functioning seven days a week.”

Barbara Nicholson, a member of a farming family who works at the Downpatrick Mart, described the weekend closure of the Downe Hospital’s emergency department as “ridiculous.”

“Health chiefs are essentially telling us don’t take sick or get injured at the weekend and not after 8pm during the week as the A&E unit will be closed. What do they expect people to do? Travel 20 miles to be seen by a doctor when such a service should be available locally?

“Everyone in the farming community is acutely aware of the value and importance of the local hospital to our industry. We rely heavily on the Downe providing the services we need and that includes a seven-day emergency unit. It needs to be available when people need it.”

Crossgar businessman, Hugh Hamilton, who lives outside Downpatrick, had to use the Downe’s emergency department when a blood vessel burst in his ankle. He’s thankful he was treated locally and did not have to join a lengthy waiting list at an emergency department in Belfast.

“I lost quite a lot of blood and was glad the Downe was close to home. I would not have fancied a 20 mile journey to Belfast and a wait of four or five hours (if I was lucky) to be seen,” he continued.

“The Downe was three miles from my home when the blood vessel burst. How thankful am I my local hospital was nearby. What happened also brought home to me for the first time the importance of having local access to a local hospital services.”

Mr. Hamilton said the farming community has nothing but praise for the doctors and nurses at the Downe and the "magnificent job" they do.