New services boost for Downe Hospital

New services boost for Downe Hospital

14 February 2018

HEALTH campaigners have welcomed plans to provide additional services at the Downe Hospital.

The South Eastern Trust is currently preparing an outline business case designed to pave the way for a new MRI scanner, while there are plans to expand ophthalmology services. 

In addition, health officials have indicated a willingness to develop a rapid access chest pain service at the Downe and pursue opportunities to expand day case provision for out patients.

The news was confirmed at Monday night’s meeting of the Down Community Health Committee.

The detail of the Trust’s plans were contained in written responses to Newry, Mourne and Down Council following a series of questions asked by local politicians a number of weeks ago.

The health group’s chairman, Mr Eamonn McGrady, said this week marked the third anniversary of the Love the Downe rally when 20,000 people took to the streets of Downpatrick in support of the local hospital.

He said the community remained fully behind the Downe and its staff and was keen to see additional services provided locally to meet a range of needs.

Mr McGrady referred to the ongoing political talks at Stormont and said that whoever took responsibility for the health portfolio should remember that the resolve of the people in South and East Down was unchanged.

“The Downe is the people’s hospital. It was built because the people wanted it. It is the people who pay for it, use it, appreciate it and know how good it is,” he continued.

Mr McGrady said that on Monday afternoon the shortest waiting time at any of the Province’s emergency departments was at the Downe, while at 5pm on Sunday the wait time at the hospital’s minor injury unit was just 20 minutes.

“The Downe’s emergency department continues to enjoy the support of the community, it delivers greatly for the community and there are many services delivered at our hospital. It is a very good hospital and is going to be even better because I think there is increasing evidence of some will on behalf of the Department of Health and the South Eastern Trust to develop it more. This is what people expect,” he declared.

Referring to the recent meeting between health officials, politicians and community representatives, Mr McGrady said the health trust remained committed to developing assessment and diagnostic services at the Downe.

He said health officials had confirmed that, given the current capacity and demand, it would be an ambition to expand MRI provision which will require support from health commissioners and the  submission of a full business case.

Mr McGrady said Trust officials also confirmed that an MRI scanner would have significant capital and revenue requirements, with the organisation currently collating information as part of an outline business case. When the associated costs are available, the business case will be completed for submission and consideration by the Health and Social Care Board.

The health group’s chairman said other issues discussed during the recent meeting included domicilary care and access to emergency mental health services, with the South Eastern Trust confirming its intention to develop a mental health inpatient centre of excellence at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.

Turning to future service provision at the Downpatrick hospital, Mr McGrady said health officials had outlined that with the financial shortfall in health and social care well documented, the development and expansion of services was likely to be minimal, with future planning informed by strategic decisions across the region.

Health officials have confirmed priorities for service development at the Downe will include the expansion of ophthalmology services as part of a regional reorganisation, the future integration of the frail elderly rapid assessment service and enhanced care at home.

Mr McGrady said the Trust’s other priorities include the further development of the rapid access chest pain service and pursuing opportunities to expand day case outpatient and diagnostic provision, including MRI.