Commenting on the announcement from the Southern HSCT Dr Tom Black, BMA NI Council chair said, “Today’s announcement that some services are being withdrawn from Daisy Hill Hospital is extremely worrying. Acute medical services at the hospital look increasingly precarious. Transformation due to service collapse benefits neither patients nor doctors and destabilises services for patients.

“There will be a knock-on effects on services in Craigavon Hospital and any further attrition would impact GP services in the area as well, thus putting unacceptable pressure on different parts of the health service. 

“BMA have consistently warned that without investment in our workforce people would walk away, and the situation at Daisy Hill is evidence of that failure.

“If we do not support our staff and ensure they are valued, then we will lose them. If we do not give staff the chance to develop and use their skills, then they will go elsewhere to work.

“But to be clear, if we do not pay our staff properly and in a way that is comparable to other nations both in the UK, the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere, then we simply will not be able to recruit or retain staff. The idea that this year we will not even see the DDRB recommended pay uplift applied is frankly unbelievable.

“It was said yesterday that the health service was collapsing, and we can quite clearly see that happening right now, right in front of us. We cannot afford to go one more day without a local health minister in place to attempt to address these issues. The situation is grave and there needs to be action immediately.”

 

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.