Trust afford speaking rights ahead of planned maternity services meeting
The meeting, which is due to take place in Monaghan Row next Tuesday November 3
THE Southern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed that it will be affording speaking rights ahead of a planned board meeting regarding the temporary relocation of maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital.
The meeting, which is due to take place in Monaghan Row next Tuesday November 3 starting at 9.30am, will have only one topic on the agenda that being the consolidation of Daisy Hill Hospital inpatient maternity services to Craigavon Area Hospital.
This will involve a decision being made on this most controversial of propositions as well as mention being given to an equality impact & rural needs assessments alongside what criteria will need to be met to allow for the for resumption of inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill.
The meeting takes place in the wake of several thousand Newry residents having taken to the street last weekend in protest to the decision
Given the immense level of public worry, interest and concern regarding this matter, the trust have opted to afford all concerned parties including trade unions, campaign groups political parties, and members of the public with opportunity to speak at the meeting.
A Trust spokesperson provided detail on what this will entail stressing that anyone interested in acquiring speaking rights at the meeting should lodge their application no later than 12 noon this Thursday.
"We recognise the significant public interest in Daisy Hill Hospital inpatient maternity services and understand how important this issue is to the communities we serve" said the spokesperson
"The Board is keen to hear directly from members of the public and to ensure that people who wish to speak have an opportunity to share their views with us. We have therefore set out below the arrangements for the Trust Board meeting in line with our Standing Orders and usual practice.
"Members of the public along with groups such as trade unions, campaign groups and political parties can request speaking rights."For groups as outlined above you may have up to two people to present. All speaking rights be they individual or group must last no more than 10 minutes in total.
To request speaking rights please email your request to [email protected] before 12 noon on Thursday, 29th October 2026. It is important that this meeting is held in Newry in our Trust Boardroom.
However the Monaghan Row premises cannot facilitate online attendance.To help us plan for numbers attending safely in person we would appreciate if you would let us know by emailing [email protected] by 12 noon Thursday 29th October 2026. We will seek to accommodate as many as possible within the safety limits .