The Stormont Health Minister has refused to meet with a council delegation over concerns a Newry hospital will lose its emergency general surgery.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) had approved a motion in February seeking to meet UUP rep Robin Swann following his department’s approval of the Southern Trust’s decision to permanently remove the service from Daisy Hill hospital.
However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has seen a Department of Health response to be shown councillors next week, which shows the minister has declined to meet a council delegation whilst backing the relocation of the surgery to Craigavon Area hospital.
Minister Swann’s letter reads: “You will recall a decision was made by the Southern health and Care Trust that was then approved by the permanent secretary (Peter May) in line with Change and Withdrawal of Services Guidance (2023) utilising powers set out in the Executive Formation Act.
“This allows for approval of such a decision in the absence of ministerial direction and therefore the lack of a health minister is not grounds for review of this decision.”
General surgery was temporarily suspended from the Daisy Hill in early 2022, with the Department of Health (DoH), permanent secretary, Peter May recently confirming the permanent move to Craigavon, due to a shortage of general surgery consultants at Daisy Hill.
The council motion to meet with Robin Swann to scrutinise the hospital measure came about following the reinstatement of the Stormont Assembly.
Mr Swann’s letter adds: “Whilst I fully understand many of the concerns that have been raised, ultimately patient safety will always have primacy in the decisions that the DoH has to make.
“The case for change has been proved that the reconfiguration at Craigavon Area hospital is safe and provides a quality and sustainable service for all the people living in Newry and Mourne area.
“I believe that evidence of the safe and improved service was demonstrated during the consultation period.
“I can also assure you that the DoH continues to view closely monitor the ongoing operation of service.”
The minster has now redirected NMDDC to his department’s senior officials for any further discussions.
