"Bed Cuts at Daisy Hill Spells Disaster for Patients and the Future of our Hospital"

"Bed Cuts at Daisy Hill Spells Disaster for Patients and the Future of our Hospital" - Loughran

Aontú representative in Newry, and Paediatric A&E nurse, Sharon Loughran, has expressed her 'deep concern' over the future of Daisy Hill Hospital, after the Southern Trust announced a near 60% reduction in the number of beds.

Speaking today, Ms Loughran said: "This is deeply concerning news. It's not the case that a few beds are to be closed, a savage number of beds are being closed! The number of beds is to be reduced from 107 to 40, with the Trust citing staffing shortages as the main concern. It seems every announcement in relation to Daisy Hill this year has been a negative one - we've heard of the removal of emergency surgery at the hospital, a huge shortage in consultants, and specialist staff leaving the hospital".

Ms Loughran continued: "Following this most recent announcement it is extremely difficult to see how our hospital can remain viable or can survive for much longer. We must all join together to fight for the retention of our services, our staff and our hospital. The frontline staff need better pay and conditions. We are haemorrhaging nursing graduates to far flung places overseas, due to our poor conditions here. Sorting this out would help improve the outlook of our hospital".

"As someone who works in the hospital, I can tell you that Daisy Hill saves countless lives in the Newry area each year. If our decline continues in terms of staffing levels, funding and bed capacity, then people will lose their lives as a consequence. I would urge everyone, of all backgrounds to join in our campaign and to get active by writing to our local MLAs and MPs", concluded Ms Loughran.

ENDS

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.