SDLP MLAs Karen McKevitt and Dominic Bradley visited Daisy Hill Hospital on Thursday to see first hand the recently refurbished facilities and the new theatre that is currently under construction. During the visit the representatives met with the chief executive Mairead McAlinden and head of service Eileen Murray along with consultants and nurses to discuss the range of services currently provided in Daisy Hill, the level of investment in the hospital and the provision of advanced technology available to staff. The MLAs also met with architects for the new future-proofed theatres which are currently construction. Speaking after the visit Mrs McKevitt said: “The SDLP believe that it is important for political representatives to meet with hospital staff and senior management to ensure the people of Newry, Mourne and Armagh have access to a high quality health service. I am impressed with the services and significant level of advanced level of technology available to the hospital to improve patient treatment. During our visit Dr Neal Morgan and Vicky Toner kindly demonstrated the workings of a new system called Renal Patient View which aims to provide online information about renal patients’ diagnosis, treatment and latest test results. This advancement will not only improve communication between patients and hospital staff but will give patients greater input with their condition which is extremely important. I hope to see many more projects like this in our local health trust in the future.” Mr Bradley added: “There has been a good level of investment in Daisy Hill Hospital over the last number of years with a state of the art High Dependency Unit, a new Rapid Access Clinic and Day Clinical Centre. Construction work has commenced for brand new theatres which I am told will be one of the best on the island. The new theatres will be functioning by early next year and the new Accident and Emergency department should be completed and opened within the next number of weeks.” The MLA raised the issue of repairs to the hydro therapy-pool dressing rooms which he said is preventing the use of the pool and told health officials a shortage of beds had been reported to him on several occasions saying it is “not acceptable that patients should have to be accommodated in the emergency department until a bed becomes available.
Newry Democrat
27th August 2013
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