A campaign group representing patients in the Newry and Mourne area has voiced its concerns directly to the Southern Health Trust about the temporary suspension of maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital.

The SOS Daisy Hill Hospital Committee met with Trust chief executive Steve Spoerry to discuss the 24-hour diversion of maternity care to Craigavon Area Hospital on 19 and 20 June. The Trust had announced the move was necessary because unexpected staff sickness meant it could not provide safe medical cover on the Daisy Hill site.

The committee stressed that maternity services are essential for the whole community across Newry and Mourne, south Down and south Armagh. They argued that a fully functioning acute hospital and maternity unit are vital for patient safety, and that without local maternity services, delays caused by travel could put mothers and babies at risk.

The group called for investment in infrastructure, staff recruitment and retention at Daisy Hill to prevent future diversions. They also highlighted the need for measures to rebuild community trust following the suspension.

Other issues raised during the meeting included the installation of a permanent MRI scanner at Daisy Hill, hospital parking, cross-border healthcare arrangements, stroke services and a proposal to locate a new city health hub at the Quays complex in Newry.

The committee described the discussions as frank, open and constructive, and thanked Mr Spoerry and his officials for their willingness to engage.