Trust ‘committed’ to Downe’s future

Trust ‘committed’ to Downe’s future

24 May 2017

HEALTH chiefs believe the Downe Hospital can play a key role in helping reduce chronic patient waiting lists for a range of services.

The South Eastern Trust has confirmed it is currently gathering information to include in a business case aimed at securing approval for a new MRI scanner at the Downpatrick hospital.

The news will be welcomed by health campaigners and local politicians who have argued for a new scanner to be installed at the Downe to ease pressure on the numbers of people waiting for a specialist scan at hospitals in Belfast.

They say the scanner would enable the Downe to provide an additional range of services and ensure local people don’t have to travel outside the district to use such a facility.

South Eastern Trust chief executive, Hugh McCaughey, said the organisation “remains committed” to further developing assessment and diagnostic services at the Downe.

In response to a request from South Down MLA Colin McGrath for consideration to be given to installing an MRI scanner, the health chief confirmed the trust is currently in the early stage of assessing demand and capacity to inform a business case submission to the Health and Social Care Board. 

Conceding there are “considerable financial constraints” within the health and social care service, Mr McCaughey said as waiting lists continue to grow, both in terms of numbers and waiting times, “there is clearly a real need for service expansion.”

His email adds: “We believe that the Downe Hospital can be a significant part of the solution to the waiting list challenge.”

Mr McGrath, who has been campaigning for enhanced service provision at the Downpatrick hospital, has welcomed the information provided by the South Eastern Trust and its “refreshing attitude” to potentially expand services at the Downe.

“While it is premature to be discussing the extension of services at the hospital just yet, there does appear to be a willingness to accept the Downe’s position within the wider hospital network in Northern Ireland and the acceptance that services delivered at the location can contribute to easing the problems faced elsewhere,” said the MLA.

Mr McGrath said in response to requests from the public, he has asked the Trust to provide a new scanner at the Downe to assist with the diagnosis and early intervention in illnesses.

“The South Eastern Trust said it believes such an initiative would be worthwhile, with the delivery of a new scanner subject to acceptance of an enhanced business case, with work having already begun to complete this,” he said.

“A decision on the way forward is expected by the autumn and with the collective will of all political parties and the community working together, the provision of the scanner could become a reality.”

Mt McGrath said he is pleased with the “positive effort” being made by the South Eastern Trust and the organisation’s encouragement for the Downpatrick hospital.

He added: “The Trust chief executive’s assertion that the Downe Hospital ‘can be a significant part of the solution to the waiting list challenge’ is long overdue recognition of the value of the facility and the contribution the staff make to the clinical networks in Northern Ireland.

“I hope a new MRI scanner can be located at the Downe and welcome all moves to secure it to help ease the pressure on hospital waiting lists and enhance the services it provides. A new scanner would significantly enhance the capability of the hospital as a diagnostic centre.”