AQW 17282/22-27

Mr Eóin Tennyson
Alliance Party
Upper Bann

Tabled Date: 23/10/2024
Answered On Date: 01/11/2024
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on maternity services in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

Answer:

The Southern Heath and Social Care Trust have contacted my Department in relation to ongoing workforce challenges across Obstetric and Gynaecology services, particularly at the Daisy Hill site.

My officials are currently in daily contact with Southern Trust senior management to develop a comprehensive report which will outline an assessment of the situation; details of the Trust efforts to maintain the current service to date, options under consideration and an appraisal of each option, any external support which would assist the Trust to maintain services at Daisy Hill and the risks associated with this.

I want to assure you that my focus is on maintaining accessible and safe in-patient maternity care at Daisy Hill Hospital and my officials are working with the Trust to endeavour to do this.