MP disappointed by Minister

MP disappointed by Minister

22 July 2015

A FRESH appeal has been issued to Stormont Health Minister Simon Hamilton to deliver more services at the Downe Hospital.

The appeal by South Down MP Margaret Ritchie comes three weeks after Mr Hamilton made it clear the Downpatrick hospital is not under threat and has an important role to play within the bigger health picture in the South Eastern Trust area.

In an interview with the Down Recorder, the Health Minister expressed hope that emergency services at the local hospital could be strengthened, but warned continuing difficulties recruiting middle grade doctors is hampering this. 

Miss Ritchie is urging Mr Hamilton to develop the promised enhanced local hospital in Downpatrick and has welcomed his confirmation that he hopes more services can be delivered locally. But the MP is disappointed he did not specify the actual role for the Downe and the services which will be devolved to it.

She continued: “On foot of this interview with the Down Recorder, there is now a golden opportunity for the Minister to visit the Downe to talk to staff, examine existing services and explore the technological and accommodation opportunities at the hospital.

“He can also view the skills and expertise of the existing medical, nursing and other staff so a plan can be brought forward which would enable the development of the enhanced local hospital which was promised in the approved business case signed off by the Department of Health 12 years ago.”

Miss Ritchie conceded that while undoubtedly the health service in Northern Ireland faces many budgetary and resource challenges, there is one “inescapable fact” that the Downe offers a medical and health opportunity for the Minister and his Department, working with the Health and Social Care Board and the South Eastern Trust, to put in place the plans for an enhanced local hospital.   

She continued: “This would relieve the pressures faced by the Ulster Hospital and others in the Belfast area in terms of accident and emergency, coronary care and other medical services. I have already given a list of services I believe could be devolved at the Downe to Mr Hamilton.

“It would be beneficial for the people of Down and Mourne if he ensured such services were re-located to our local hospital and in so doing provide local accessibility to services delivered at the point of need. Furthermore, it would also relieve medical and health pressures for the South Eastern Trust.”

The MP added: “It is a pity the Minister did not take time in his recent interview to actually spell out how he could develop the enhanced local hospital at the Downe nor specify the services which could be devolved for delivery for the people of the South Eastern Trust area.  

“However, that opportunity still continues to exist and I hope he takes up that challenge and ensures delivery of additional medical and health services for our local population.”