Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard contacted the South Eastern Health Trust on the evening before St Patrick’s Day. He raised concerns about service reductions scheduled at Downe Hospital in Downpatrick starting the next day.

Hazzard represents South Down. He called the reductions a failure of contingency planning. He stated that the move affects rural patients' access to essential healthcare.

St Patrick’s Day ranks among Downpatrick's busiest days due to visitors. Hazzard noted staff illnesses contribute to the challenges faced by the Trust.

He demanded adequate staffing at the hospital during the holiday. Hazzard requested a strategy to manage visitor influx. He insisted Downe Hospital serve as a vital hub without scaling back services under pressure.

Hazzard said patients and health staff require a resilient system. He urged the Trust to keep the hospital fully operational on the busy day.