Healthcare provision to top health meeting

Healthcare provision to top health meeting

18 September 2024

THE implications of the recently announced programme for government from the Northern Ireland Executive and likely implications for local healthcare provision will top the agenda at the next week’s meeting of the Down Community Health Committee.

Campaigners meet on Monday evening at 7.30pm at Denvir’s Coaching Inn in Downpatrick.

There will also be a discussion concerning the situation in terms of emergency care provision in the emergency department at the Downe and Ulster hospitals, matters which have been of significant media interest in recent times and are an ongoing cause of serious concern across the area. 

The health committee’s future strategy will also be discussed, dealing with matters concerning with outreach to the wider community and how the campaign group can extend its active membership. 

Group chairman, Mr Eamonn McGrady, said people in South and East Down are becoming increasingly concerned at the failure of the South Eastern Trust and Department of Health to restore a 24/7 emergency service at the Downe.

“Hardly a week goes by that we do not hear another report of unsatisfactory service, in terms of delays in ambulance response times or unacceptable delays at the Ulster Hospital emergency department,” he said.

Hospital campaigner Anne Trainor added: “These issues need to be addressed. 

“The community is extremely anxious and many people are of the view that now is the time to bring our campaign back onto the streets. It is time for politicians to deliver.”

An open invitation is extended to people to attend the health committee’s next meeting.