Daisy Hill’s Emergency Department wide ranging care mandate has been lauded by South Down MP Margaret Ritchie. Hailing the hospital’s range of services under financial constraints Ms Ritchie said: “Daisy Hill provides special health services not only to the people of Newry and the rural communities of Down and Armagh but also to the catchment areas of County Louth.”
The former SDLP leader described Daisy Hill as a unique hospital that plays a pivotal role for a wide catchment area. The South Down MP said: “It is a unique hospital in many ways in that the acute services can be provided to those within an easy commute south of the border. I have already in representations with the Minister of Health in Ireland discussed areas of co-operation in this respect. Given pressures on the public budget it makes sense for the health service to use existing options particularly given in the centre of excellence that can be found in Newry in terms of paediatric care, consultant led emergency department, high dependency unit and coronary care services.”
She believed that the hospital could provide a platform for senior medical staff to enhance their careers whilst providing much needed high-end care for the people of Newry and Mourne and said: “While the shortage of Middle Grade and Consultant emergency staff is well known and as Member of Parliament I would highlight the unique qualities of Daisy Hill as an opportunity for staff to further their training with the wide ranging services for health which are available.
Ms Ritchie added: “I will be continuing to promote the value of health services at Daisy Hill at every opportunity to ensure appropriate staff are made aware of employment opportunities to allow the continuation of high quality patient, delivered in a safe environment.
24th November 2015
Newry Democrat
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