Poots urged to ask public for views on Downe A&E cutback

Poots urged to ask public for views on Downe A&E cutback

30 April 2014

HEALTH Minister Edwin Poots has been asked to put changes to emergency care at the Downe Hospital out to public consultation.

The challenge was issued late yesterday by South Down MLA Chris Hazzard during an adjournment debate at Stormont on the evolving status of emergency care at the Downpatrick hospital.

At the start of the year, the South Eastern Trust axed early evening 

and weekend A&E services at the Downe, blaming the controversial decision, which sparked a public outcry, on the shortage of middle grade doctors.

Ahead of yesterday’s debate, Mr. Hazzard said the Health Minister must put the changes to A&E provision out to public consultation so the community can play an “active role in determining which services are appropriate going forward.”

Mr. Hazzard said the Health Minister must ensure the local health system is organised in the “interests of people in Down, not officialdom in Belfast.”

He continued: “For too long, the needs of the community in Down have been subservient to the desires of health officials in the South Eastern Trust. We continue to see vital health services stripped out of the Downe whilst the Ulster Hospital is bursting at the seams.

“Without any productive engagement with political representatives or consultation with the wider public, the ongoing downgrading of emergency care at the Downe is undoubtedly putting local lives at risk.”

Mr. Hazzard said despite previous promises from Minister Poots regarding a restoration of A&E services at the Downe “we have witnessed a continued cutting of services with the onset of a minor injuries unit.”

The MLA said it’s now time for Mr. Poots to publish his preferred options for emergency care at the Downe and let the people have their say in what he described as a “thorough and worthwhile consultation process.”

Mr. Hazzard added: “Moreover, the Health Minister must now illustrate his commitment to ensuring equitable access for all to lifesaving emergency care services in our local communities.”