Member's statement: Daisy Hill Hospital: Maternity Services
Member's statement by Mr Andrew McMurray on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew McMurray
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 5 October 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Daisy Hill Hospital: Maternity Services
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5773904
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I raise the issue of the ongoing risk of service collapse in acute maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital. Since the Minister of Health made a statement two weeks ago, the situation has not improved. Last week, I attended a public meeting organised by SOS Daisy Hill and UNISON. I estimate that approximately 1,000 people were present. This is about the expectant mothers, the babies, the fathers, the staff and their supporters, and that attendance shows the strength of feeling about what is a vital service not just for the people of Newry but for mothers, fathers and babies across my constituency of South Down and further afield. I have been contacted by several constituents — mothers and fathers — who are in frank despair at the prospect of having to travel in active labour to Craigavon. The length of the journey and concern about the roads are the issues that they cite. Some are at high risk of serious complications due to previous deliveries, so time is of the essence. They are, understandably, incredibly anxious. It is particularly worrying for people in Annalong and Kilkeel, who face a long journey on difficult roads. I again call on the Minister of Health and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to do everything in their power to ensure that a full range of maternity services remains available at Daisy Hill.
230 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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