Maternity Services Suspended at Daisy Hill Hospital
Maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital have been temporarily suspended due to staffing shortages.
As a result of "unexpected sickness," the Southern Health Trust announced it is "unable to provide safe medical cover" in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Newry site this weekend.
The suspension began on Friday evening and will continue until 09:00 BST on Monday.
During this period, all obstetric and gynaecology care will be delivered at Craigavon Area Hospital.
A small number of maternity patients currently at Daisy Hill will be transferred to Craigavon to continue their care.
Trust Statement and Patient Guidance
The Southern Trust stated that the decision was made to ensure the safety of women and babies.
"The decision was taken to ensure the safety of women and babies."
The trust apologized for any concern or inconvenience caused and noted that this temporary measure is part of its service continuity arrangements when staffing pressures arise.
"We apologise for any concern or inconvenience caused and this temporary move forms part of our service continuity arrangements when staffing pressures arise."
The trust also highlighted that it "continues to face ongoing medical staffing challenges" within obstetrics and gynaecology at Daisy Hill.
"We continue to face ongoing medical staffing challenges within obstetrics and gynaecology at Daisy Hill."
Women seeking advice have been directed to contact the Maternity Assessment Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital by calling 028 3756 1830.
The situation is being actively monitored and kept under review by the trust.
