Co-operation between Daisy Hill and Louth County hospitals looks set to increase with the development of a joint medical plan taking place this summer. The North-South Ministerial Council will look to focus on opportunities for medical care after a meeting of the health ministers on both sides of the border last week. Stormont Minister Edwin Poots haws given his backing to promote the Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT) projects between the two hospitals. “I am impressed with the cross border co-operation on many health projects,” said Mr Poots. “The initiatives we have seen and heard about (on the medical tour) are excellent examples of good practice and show the importance of collaboration. Our strong partnership approach is key to delivering effective, innovative and streamlined services. Sharing information and resources on both sides of the border to maintain a better standard of care can only be of benefit to the people in both parts of this island. I am certain that working together will assist to improve health outcomes in the future,” he added. Meanwhile TD for Louth Peter Fitzpatrick has called on southern health Minister Dr James O’Reilly to explore the “huge potential” for collaboration. “By ensuring that we share expertise and ideas on how to best assist in both jurisdictions who most need our help be that with mental health issues or tackling drug/ alcohol abuse we can make most of the resources available and provide the services that are needed,” said Mr Fitzpatrick. “North-South relations have come such a long way in recent years and the willingness of the health ministers to come together to provide the best possible service to those living in the border region is a further normalizing and cementing of the progress that has been made. I will be continuing on the work of ministers Reilly and Poots by supporting the CAWT projects where I can. There is also huge potential for a collaborative project to take place between Louth County and Daisy Hill in Newry which I will be looking to progress down the line,” he added.
Newry Reporter
15th May 2013
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