THE Department of Health has told campaigners aiming to save healthcare at Daisy Hill Hospital it shares their concerns and is working "exhaustively" to stabalise services.
The department's permanent secretary Peter May met with campaign groups on Monday to discuss ongoing concerns over the future of services at the Newry hospital, which is facing plans to reduce bed numbers and the moving of stroke services to Craigavon.
The Southern Health Trust is facing a staffing crisis at the hospital, and recently played down reports that up to 100 inpatient beds could be lost.
The trust recently told staff of options it is considering to tackle the shortage of staff, including creating a new Emergency Department Short Stay Unit and enhancing its Acute Care at Home Service.
The trust has said it is continuing to "develop and refine" proposals based on feedback from staff and regional health colleagues, but campaigners to protect services remain concerned over the future of Daisy Hill.
A public rally is planned for Newry on June 25 to protest decisions including the moving of stroke services.
Following Monday's meeting with Daisy Hill Hospital Future Group and the Daisy Hill Hospital Newry Save Our Emergency Surgery Campaign, the DoH permanent secretary said "intensive work" was ongoing to protect services.
Mr May was joined at the meeting by Southern Trust chief executive Dr Maria O’Kane.
“The departure of consultants from Daisy Hill in recent weeks has caused deep concerns among staff and the local community," Mr May said.
“I assured both groups I met today that these concerns are shared by the department and the trust. We are working collectively and exhaustively to urgently stabilise services. The ongoing intensive discussions involve the wider health and social care system, reflecting the fact that Daisy Hill is an important part of NI’s hospital network.
“The department’s commitment to the hospital is evidenced in the announcement earlier this year of a £9.1m upgrade in its electrical infrastructure."
Mr May added that he believed a way forward could be found "to safeguard services and, crucially, to continue to protect and support the hospital’s emergency department."
He also condemned "personal abuse" aimed at trust staff on social media in recent weeks.
"The local community is quite rightly very protective and proud of Daisy Hill Hospital. It is right that people are passionate in defence of the health service. However, I would appeal for the debate on the hospital’s future to be conducted respectfully," the permanent secretary said.
“The issues involved go much wider than the hospital or the Trust. Health authorities in many jurisdictions are grappling with the best way to ensure sustainable hospital consultant staffing. It’s a challenge that was highlighted in the Bengoa Report and properly resolving it will require strategic choices, investment and political leadership.”
Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy attended the meeting alongside campaigners.
“We made it clear that the issues causing the current crisis have been caused by the total mismanagement of the hospital and its staff by the Southern Trust," he said.
“There is now zero confidence among staff and the community in the trust management.
“I have told the permanent secretary that the department must step in urgently to stabilise services in the short term and provide a clear plan to secure services for the future."
He added: “We need to have stability, security and certainty at the hospital so staff can be recruited to replace those lost by the trust.
“The best way to do that is to get the Executive reformed, get around the table with other parties and work together to tackle the issues in our health service.”
Read more: Southern trust plays down concerns over potential bed losses at Daisy Hill Hospital
Read more: Fears for future of Daisy Hill Hospital services as public meeting held to discuss 'crisis'
