‘I hope Ms O’Neill listens to the community’

‘I hope Ms O’Neill listens to the community’

5 October 2016

STUDENTS at the De La Salle High School in Downpatrick are the first in the district to respond to an appeal from health campaigners to write to Stormont Health Minister Michelle O’Neill in support of the Downe Hospital.

Campaigners are keen for primary and post-primary children to write to the Minister highlighting the need for the reinstatement of 24-hour accident and emergency services and the reopening of the hospital’s dedicated coronary care unit.

With letter writing part of their GCSE syllabus, the Year 12 students utilised the opportunity to use their class studies to assist the Down Community Health Committee’s campaign to have essential lifesaving services available 24-hours a day at the Downpatrick hospital.

A number of students who sent letters say given the rural nature of the Down area, it is essential people have immediate access to vital services and are not forced to travel outside the district for medical help.

Jack Maguire, Caolan Gough, James Cornwell, Ben McLoughlin and Matthew Reynolds say they hope Ms O’Neill will recognise the concerns of everyone across the district and take steps to ensure the Downpatrick hospital delivers the services people need. 

Jack Maguire said accessibility to hospital services is a key issue for people across the district. He said where possible, people should not have to travel outside the area for hospital treatment.

“It is vital the Health Minister recognises the nature of the area we live in and ensures we have a hospital which meets our need,” he continued. “It is important young people get involved in the campaign as we want the Downe to be there for us and for our children. We all need our hospital and while we need to focus on the present, it is essential we look to the future as well.”

Caolan Gough said having a hospital close by is a comfort to many across the district, pointing to concerns about the levels of ambulance cover in the area and the difficulties experienced in taking patients to hospitals in greater Belfast.

“We need our hospital. A few years ago my sister became ill and because the Downe was so close we were able to take her there where she was immediately diagnosed. All students should be passionate about their local hospital and I hope many others will write to the minister on this very important issue,” he added.

Matthew Reynolds believes the Downe is underfunded and that a small increase in its budget would allow the building to expand and enhance the services it provides. He argued closing wards and reducing services puts patients at risk.

“It is vital the Downe remains open. Not only does it provide excellent health care, but the hospital is a major employer which benefits the local economy. The Downe is a modern hospital and many would like to see it providing an enhanced range of services. Without the hospital, I fear what healthcare provision in South Down would be like.”

Ben McLoughlin said the Downe saved his father’s life in 2008 when he suffered a heart attack, explaining that at the time the emergency department was open 24 hours a day, as was the hospital’s dedicated coronary care unit.

“Emergencies can happen at any time and it’s essential people in our area can go to the Downe for urgent treatment, not face the prospect of being taken to a hospital outside the area. We need our hospital,” he added.

James Cornwell, whose brother suffers from a heart condition, said it vital his family has rapid access to the Downpatrick hospital and hopes Ms O’Neill will reinstate key services which have been downgraded over recent years.

He added: “I hope Ms O’Neill will listen to the community in the Down area. Having a local hospital close by provides peace of mind when people become ill as they know help is just a short distance away.  We need our hospital delivering the services we need and this must happen.”