The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed that elective caesarean section surgeries will continue at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.

Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty contacted the Health Minister regarding rumours of proposals to end the service on the maternity ward. He requested the rationale for any such plans and details on the number of caesarean surgeries performed at hospitals over the last five years.

A Trust spokesperson stated there are no proposals to cease elective caesarean provision at the hospital's maternity unit.

In October 2022, former Health Minister Robin Swann designated Daisy Hill as a regional centre for elective overnight stay surgeries. The hospital features four in-patient theatres, dedicated endoscopy, and a paediatric theatre.

Clinical Director for Anaesthetics Dr Aidan Cullen noted the hospital's anaesthetics team supports planned and emergency surgical activity, the maternity service, and other departments around the clock. The team backs the area-wide elective caesarean service and works to expand theatre lists across specialties.

Public Health Agency statistics indicate that 38% of infants in the region are delivered by caesarean section each year, with 19% of those being elective procedures.