Midwifery team fractured beyond recognition" says Daisy Hill staff member

ONE of the parties that was afforded speaking rights during the full meeting of the Trust board was a member of the group whom this decision is going to have the most profound impact upon, a member of the Daisy Hill Midwifery team

During the ten minute window she was afforded to speak at the meeting the member of staff laid out in no uncertain terms the impact which the decision to relocate maternity services to Craigavon has had on herself and her colleagues, claiming that the team has become fractured beyond recognition"

“Midwives are the key providers of care." explained the staff member. They are experts in helping women through birth and we are here and have been here to provide a service.

Midwife means with woman and that is what we do. We as midwives and maternity staff feel very let down and disappointed by the Trust "One of the most important parts of our jobs is to be an advocate for women and families in our care. I have advocated for them. Another role I have is being an advocate for the staff I represent.

"The staff in Daisy Hill are a special bunch. We have helped each other through midwifery training. Our team is being fractured beyond recognition.

Although much focus has been placed on the commute times which expectant mothers who go into labour may face as a result of the decision to relocate in patient maternity services, The Daisy Hill midwife also illustrated the practical implications which this relocation will have on her daily commute to and from work.

"I personally will need to leave one hour thirty minutes to ensure I arrive to work on time. I have been reassured I will be receive a mileage allowance for my extra journey, yet my time is not being considered. I will be in my car for approximately 9 hours per week.

“My time especially at home is precious yet of no regard to the Trust. "Only last week we hear of another devastating car accident on the bad roads between Daisy Hill and Craigavon."Whilst the Southern Health and Social care trust will claim that they have taken each and every precaution to mitigate against any and all risk that may be faced by expectant mothers, the staff member iterated that not every variable can be taken into consideration with data analysis

"Every single one of the 1713 babies born lasty year and their families mattered” said the midwife

"My worry is that by removing the services from Daisy Hill it will lead to further patient safety issues some of which may not be forecast with data analysis

"Women, babies and families deserve to have these facilities here in Newry. Women and their needs especially healthcare have been discriminated against for long enough.

“Removing this service from our hospital is unacceptable.

"Daisy Hill is the beating heart of the surrounding area. It should have a hospital and functioning maternity unit.”