Daisy Hill maternity shake-up: expectant mothers face 'nightmare' as trust draws up suspension plan
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust says it is drawing up formal plans for the future of inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital after retirements and resignations left it unable to recruit enough consultant obstetricians.
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has announced it is developing formal plans for the future of inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry, after a series of consultant obstetrician retirements and resignations left the unit unable to guarantee safe cover.
The Trust said on September 21 that despite sustained recruitment efforts across the UK and internationally, it has not been able to recruit enough consultant obstetricians to fill the vacancies, reflecting a wider shortage across Northern Ireland and the UK. It stressed that its intention “has been, and remains, to maintain inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital”, with patient safety the overriding priority.
Dr Beverley Adams, the Trust’s divisional medical director for maternity and women’s services, said staff had worked additional hours to sustain the service but that recent staffing changes had placed it under significant pressure. The Trust is working with the Department of Health, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group and the Public Health Agency as the plans are developed.
Women do not need to take any action at this stage, the Trust said. Anyone concerned should contact their midwife or the dedicated maternity information line on 028 3756 1325, open 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
It is the latest blow for the unit: maternity services at Daisy Hill were temporarily suspended for a weekend in June after unexpected sickness left it unable to provide safe medical cover.
Sources
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