Thousands rally in Newry to oppose relocation of Daisy Hill maternity services
Thousands marched in Newry demanding that Daisy Hill Hospital keep its maternity unit after the Southern Health Trust said it would be temporarily moved to Craigavon because of staffing shortages.
On Sunday, a crowd of thousands gathered in Newry’s Marcus Square, organized by SOS Daisy Hill, to demand that the maternity department at Daisy Hill Hospital remain in place. The Southern Health Trust had revealed that, due to insufficient staff, delivery services would be temporarily transferred to Craigavon Area Hospital, with antenatal care staying at Daisy Hill. Protest leaders warned that a permanent transfer could also jeopardize the hospital’s accident and emergency unit and called on the community to lobby local politicians.
Union leader Patricia McKeown stressed that recruiting doctors and securing a fair pay deal are essential to preserving these services, citing a twenty-year struggle. Residents shared personal stories, including Sinéad Cole, whose premature baby survived thanks to rapid ambulance diversion to Daisy Hill. Health Minister Robbie Butler is slated to meet senior Trust officials on November 3 to discuss the proposal, while local politicians across parties expressed concern over the potential two-hour travel time for rural patients.
Why it matters
The protest highlights community fear that losing local maternity care could endanger lives and strain regional health services.
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