Medic shortage threatens Daisy Hill emergency service
Hospital "vulnerable" to cover despite major recruitment drive
Last updated 30th Mar 2017
A staffing crisis at one of the Northern Ireland’s main hospitals is threatening the closure of its emergency department.
The Southern Trust said there was an ongoing shortage of permanent senior medical staff at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry – despite national and international recruitment campaigns.
A spokeswoman said the current service was supported mainly by locum medical staff and the “continuing goodwill of clinical staff across the Trust.”
She described the current service as remaining “vulnerable” to the short notice withdrawal of senior medical cover.
This is particularly concerning during the summer months when there is “a less secure supply of locum consultants.”
She added: “Therefore, if there is any risk to patient safety due to lack of senior medical cover at night, the ED will temporarily suspend the service until suitable medical cover becomes available. This would be a last resort, and the Trust is making every effort to avoid any reduction in hours in the short term.
“The Trust remains committed to ensure the public and key stakeholders are updated and engaged in relation to this very important local service.”