Daisy Hill Hospital Maternity Unit Faces Temporary Closure

Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry is facing the potential temporary suspension of all inpatient maternity services, including deliveries, due to "significant" workforce pressures. The Southern Trust is planning to move these services to Craigavon Area Hospital, citing an inability to recruit sufficient consultant obstetricians to fill vacancies and ensure safe medical cover.

This move, anticipated from late October into November, means expectant mothers due at Daisy Hill will need to make alternative arrangements. While ante and postnatal clinics may continue at the Newry site, all inpatient births are expected to be consolidated at Craigavon. Trust officials have sincerely apologised for the inconvenience and potential anxiety this causes to women and families.

The challenges in recruiting consultants to Daisy Hill have intensified in recent months due to retirements and consultants moving to other trusts. The unit has become reliant on locum and temporary staff, and despite extensive efforts across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, the trust has been unable to attract the required skilled personnel.

While the health minister is exploring long-term support to maintain services in Newry, contingency plans are underway for both hospitals, including increasing capacity at Craigavon and ensuring obstetric support for Daisy Hill's Emergency Department. This situation mirrors broader consultant obstetrician shortages impacting Northern Ireland and the UK, raising concerns among the community and political figures.