Orange Order backs Downe Hospital campaign

Orange Order backs Downe Hospital campaign

19 August 2015

THE Orange Order has weighed in with its support for the campaign to have lifesaving services provided at the Downe Hospital.

Senior members of the Order’s Lecale District met with Down Community Health Committee officials Eamonn McGrady and Anne Trainor last week to pledge its support for the hospital.

The Lecale District said it “fully supports” the campaign to have 24-hour accident and emergency services and the coronary care ward returned to the Downe.

Lecale District Master Nigel Bloomer, who was joined by his deputy Billy Walker and District Chaplain Willie Murphy for the meeting with the health officials, said the Orange Order is concerned at the reduction in services at the Downe.

“We need a hospital that delivers the key services people require. The Lecale District is only too happy to support the Downe campaign and the work of the Down Community Health Committee. The Lecale District is acutely aware of the hospital’s importance not only to our organisation but the people of this district. This is a large rural area which requires a fully functioning 

hospital serving its community,” he said.

Mr Bloomer said given the thousands of people who attend the annual Twelfth of July and Royal Black Preceptory parades and small events organised by bands and lodges across the district, it is important participants and spectators have ease of access to emergency services at their local hospital.

Mr McGrady said he is delighted the Lecale District has “committed itself absolutely” to the Downe campaign, with the Community Health Committee chairman warmly welcoming the opportunity to engage with the Order to discuss the issues.

“The officials discussed in particular the issues of having major demonstrations and band parades in the area which attract large numbers of people. These events take place on Friday nights and weekends when we have no emergency services available the Downe,” continued Mr McGrady.

“The Order officials also highlighted an unfortunate incident in Killyleagh during the Twelfth demonstration a few years ago when a person was killed. Over recent years the annual parade has been held in Clough, Saintfield and Dundrum, very much in the heart of Down, with the Order’s officials wanting to see the restoration of hospital services.”

Mr McGrady said Lecale District officials also appreciate the importance of having the Downe’s dedicated coronary care ward reinstated and is pleased an organisation which has so many local members is supporting the Downe campaign.

He added: “The Orange Order is a large representative organisation with an active membership within the community. It has an understanding, due to the nature of its charity work in particular,  the issues that address people’s ailing health and that of their families and how unsatisfactory the current situation is.”