Downe becoming one of Minister’s ‘favourite’ sites

Downe becoming one of Minister’s ‘favourite’ sites

7 May 2025

STORMONT Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the Downe Hospital is rapidly becoming “one of his favourite healthcare settings”.

His comments came after a visit to the Downpatrick hospital last week when he also ped in at the Cedar Court supported living facility in Bridge Street in the town.

This was the minster’s second visit to the local hospital in recent months and he highlighted the Downe’s “warm, positive atmosphere”.

Mr Nesbitt met staff at the regional day procedure unit and the district nursing team and said he would like to see a “shift left” to have healthcare delivered in the home.

“It was great to visit to see their enthusiasm in delivering this service. Even though there are a number of challenges, they still remain fully committed,” he said.

Mr Nesbitt was welcomed by Maggie Parks, the South Eastern Trust’s director of surgery, elective care, maternity and paediatrics, and district nursing operations manager Tony O’Connor. 

He was briefed on the wide range of procedures and services provided by the day procedure unit which last year carried out 2,294 cataract procedures and treated 3,379 endoscopy patients.

Additional services offered in the unit include electro convulsive therapy, general surgery, minor operations and an on-call anaesthetic emergency service. A new glaucoma list is also due to commence shortly.

Mr Nesbitt heard members of the district nursing team work as part of the multi-disciplinary team together with local GPs in the Down Federation. 

The minister was told the district nursing service delivers expert, person-centred care to patients with complex needs in the comfort of their own homes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

The team provides holistic assessments and care for individuals living with long-term conditions, including Diabetes and those requiring end-of-life support.

District Nursing Sister Cathy Gracey said it was very exciting for the team to meet Mr Nesbitt and hear about what they do.

“More people are choosing to have their care at home and we work within a multi-disciplinary team and district nursing is an integral part of this. So it is important that people understand the role that we do,” she added.

At Cedar Court, Mr Nesbitt was welcomed by Clare-Marie Dickson the health trust’s director of primary care and older people’s services, and facility manager, Mark Baker.

He took the time to speak with staff and residents, gaining valuable insight into the vital work being done within the facility.

Cedar Court offers 24 self-contained apartments for older people and those living with mild to moderate dementia. Recently, the service within Cedar Court was expanded to provide supported tenancies for individuals living with a physical disability.

One of the residents, Frank Teggart, said it was an “absolute pleasure” to welcome Mr Nesbitt into his home. 

“I am so happy living in Cedar Court. I have found so many new friends and there is a lot of social activities to enjoy. It is a real home from home,” he added.

Mr Nesbitt said while Cedar Court provides supported care, residents have their own freedom and can come and go as they please. 

“It was wonderful to speak to some of the residents, including Frank. When I walked into his place, there was a real feeling that this was his ‘home’ and he said he felt so comfortable and relaxed and his daughter could stay whenever she visits.  

“He has his own independence and has everything he needs to call his place home,” said the health minister.

Maggie Parks said it was great to be able to show Mr Nesbitt around the day procedure unit,  which carries out approximately 6,000 procedures every year for local residents and those from across Northern Ireland.

Clare-Marie-Dickson said the visit to Cedar Court allowed Mr Nesbitt to meet with residents and hear how much they love living in the facility.

She believes this type of facility is what the ageing population need and want for the future, adding: “To be living as independently as possible and for their care needs to be met is so important. The residents feel it is a real home from home.”