Potential for Downe: Nesbitt

Potential for Downe: Nesbitt

30 March 2016

ULSTER Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt believes there is “huge potential” to increase bed numbers and expand services at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick. 

Last week, he met with senior members of the Down Community Health Committee to listen to their concerns about the decision by the South Eastern Trust to axe 24-hour A&E services at the Downe and close the hospital’s dedicated coronary care unit. Both decisions have been described as “temporary.”

The UUP leader was the latest in a line of senior politicians to meet with hospital campaigners and visit the Downe ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections. Mr Nesbitt was joined by his party’s South Down candidate, Harold McKee, during last week’s visit.

Following a detailed briefing and tour of the £65m hospital, Mr Nesbitt said that in his view, Stormont needs to develop long-term, strategic visions for statutory services, not least the National Health Service. 

“That means recognising that a new build hospital like the Downe is going to be around for a very long time and the challenge is to tap into its potential,” he declared.

“It is a bright and modern facility but, at the same time, lacking in basic facilities such as a shop and coffee dock. I understand someone was prepared to open these facilities as commercial concerns at their own risk but what I do not understand is why the Trust appears to have refused permission. It leaves the hospital reception looking unnecessarily cold and empty.”

Mr Nesbitt said he sees “huge potential” to expand the number of beds at the Downpatrick hospital back towards capacity and fully utilise the hospital’s capacity to be a so-called step down facility, for patients who no longer need a bed in an acute ward, but are not yet ready to return home. 

He also believes there is huge potential to expand the Downe’s contribution as an out-patient centre.

“I have no difficulty with the clinically-based argument that some services need to be centralised in Belfast, but many others do not. In fact, quite the opposite. Many patients would enjoy faster, professional treatment at the Downe than they are in ever-lengthening queues in the capital,” he continued.

“In my vision of the local NHS, there is a bright future for the Downe Hospital, but that will require a solid commitment from the South Eastern Trust, not only to its future, but also its future uses. I shall now seek a meeting with the Trust to ask for such a commitment.”

Mr McKee said campaigners outlined the concerns of patients and the local community about the long term strategy for the future of the Downpatrick hospital and that people who required medical attention were often driven past the Downe to hospitals in Belfast where they waited for several hours on a trolley before being cared for.

Community health officials are delighted the UUP leader was able to meet them last week and view the Downe Hospital for himself to see what they describe as the “people’s hospital” and a “hidden gem.” Campaigners discussed with Mr Nesbitt how they look forward to the vision for the Downpatrick hospital being fully fulfilled.