Full Breakdown
Daisy Hill Hospital Maternity Services Face Possible Relocation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Development: Planned Temporary Consolidation of Inpatient Maternity Care
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust plans to move inpatient maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry to Craigavon Area Hospital as a “temporary contingency” from the end of October into November if sufficient consultant obstetrician cover cannot be secured.
Background & Context
Daisy Hill’s maternity unit has increasingly relied on locum staff, reflecting a wider shortage of obstetric consultants across Northern Ireland and the UK. Earlier cuts at Daisy Hill, such as the removal of emergency general surgery in January 2024, have heightened community sensitivity to further reductions.
Data & Statistics
- In the most recent year the Trust recorded 4,481 births across its two maternity sites: 1,713 at Daisy Hill and 2,768 at Craigavon.
- Maintaining a safe rota at Daisy Hill requires a minimum of eight consultant obstetricians; the unit currently has five substantive consultants and three locums.
- Recruitment has involved advertising through all UK and Ireland medical channels and engaging 110 international agencies.
Official Statements & Responses
Colm McCafferty, director of children, young people and women’s services, apologized to expectant families and said the Trust will work with community midwifery services to arrange transport to Craigavon.
Dr Beverley Adams, divisional medical director for Integrated Maternity and Women’s Health, reiterated that safety depends on adequate consultant cover and that systems are in place to manage travel-related challenges.
Health Minister Robbie Butler told the Northern Ireland Assembly that no final decision has been taken, acknowledging “understandable concern” and noting the consultant workforce has become “increasingly fragile.” He said a temporary contingency may be required unless additional cover is secured.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But you reach a point where something is becoming more and more likely and you have got to plan for the contingency and that's the point we are at.” — Steve Spoerry, trust interim chief
- “Any temporary closure must not simply become the route to the permanent removal of maternity services from Daisy Hill.” — John Creaney, UNISON representative at Craigavon Area Hospital
What’s Next
The Trust will continue intensive recruitment, including outreach to obstetricians across the UK, Ireland and internationally, and has established a dedicated maternity information line for families. Health Minister Butler indicated the Assembly will be kept informed and that any contingency arrangement will be subject to further review before implementation.