Motion to protect Downe services

Motion to protect Downe services

9 April 2025

LOCAL politicians have called for the Downe Hospital to be a key player in the future of health service delivery across Northern Ireland.

Under a Department of Health plan, the Downpatrick hospital will be categorised as a “local hospital” but politicians insist its role is more significant and must be regarded as such.

They backed a notice of motion at Monday night’s monthly meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council disputing the Department of Health categorisation which has been described as effectively downgrading the Downpatrick hospital to a “community health centre”.

Under the Hospitals: Creating A Better Network document, the Downe is currently regarded as a Level 2 hospital, but would in future be regarded as an area hospital which politicians argue is a “significant step down” from other proposals such as a general hospital or regional centre.

Downpatrick councillor Conor Galbraith — who tabled the motion — said when the SDLP viewed the Department of Health proposals for the reconfiguration of hospitals, they could see that, while well intentioned, they did not meet the needs of people currently served by the Downe.

“Those who have been involved in the campaign for the Downe over the years will know how hard a battle this has been,” he said.

“While often an uphill struggle, those who worked so diligently to deliver this community hospital know its value and worth, which goes beyond any financial bottom line.”

Cllr Galbraith said while transformation of the health service is needed, for the Department to designate the Downe as an “area hospital” where it would stand alongside such health centres as Moyle Hospital or the Robinson Centre, it would denigrate the Downpatrick hospital “to a mere community health centre.” 

He continued: “This is not what the people in our area need or want to see and the Department must consider an enhanced category for the reconfiguration of hospitals that would recognise the status and operation of the Downe and Lagan Valley. 

“This would allow for transformation, while keeping the door open for the potential future safe enhancement of services at the Downe.”

Downpatrick Alliance councillor Cadogan Enright was successful in having a reference to A&E services included in Monday night’s motion.

He said in the reorganisation of hospital services, the South Eastern Trust recognised that the Downe had a clinical need for a 24 hour A&E, while the Lagan Valley in Lisburn did not, given its proximity to the tertiary hospital network in Belfast.

Cllr Enright said the health trust claimed that a shortage of staff had made this impossible for nearly 10 years and the vast majority of people in  East Down were not satisfied that “this continues to be the fig leaf behind which the health trust hides behind”.

He said the Downshire Hospital had secured many additional services, including regional specialties in recent years.

“Having a 24-hour A&E service in Downpatrick would result in more services coming to East Down like acute mental health,” he continued.

He added: “The reorganisation of the health service to make it more effective is a serious and ongoing necessity that will deliver dividends, if allowed to proceed, but only if properly staffed.”