Hazzard raises serious concerns over Downe Hospital service reductions
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has raised serious concerns with the South Eastern Health Trust this evening following the announcement that services at the Downe Hospital will be reduced today, St Patrick’s Day.
The South Down MP described the move as a failure in contingency planning that undermines the rights of rural patients to access essential healthcare.
Mr Hazard said: “St Patrick’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for Downpatrick. To see a reduction in services at the Downe Hospital during a public holiday again raises serious questions regarding the rights of rural patients to access healthcare.
“Whilst I understand the challenges of staff illnesses, this situation highlights a lack of robust contingency planning.
“I have raised a number of immediate issues with the Trust leadership that must be addressed including adequate staffing during this high pressure event, a robust holiday strategy to prepare for the influx of visitors and ensuring The Downe is treated as a vital hub and not a service that can be scaled back when pressured arise.
“Patients and our hard-working health staff deserve a system that is resilient enough to handle challenges without compromising care on such a busy day.
“The Trust needs to take immediate, proactive steps to ensure the Downe remains fully operational for everyone who needs it.”