Chris Hazzard MLA has tabled a motion for debate at Stormont following cuts to health services at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick.xa0[/caption]
Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard has successfully tabled a Stormont motion following the recent announcement that further frontline Health cuts will be made at the Downe Hospital.
The local MLA said: “There is deep anger throughout our local community… an anger that despite pleas from all political representatives, the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and successive Health Ministers continue to attack the Downe Hospital and frontline health services in the Down area.
“I am delighted that the Assembly’s Business Office have accepted my proposal for a debate on this issue – it is vital that we give expression to the anger and frustration that is so prevalent throughout the South Down area.”
Mr Hazzard’s motion calls on the Assembly to reject the maladministration of the previous Health Minister Edwin Poots, and further calls on the current Health Minister Jim Wells to ensure that any changes to frontline Health Services are subject to the appropriate Equality Impact Assessments.
Mr Hazzard added: “South Down is a large rural constituency, therefore frontline cuts to our local hospital or community health services have disproportionate consequences for local people. It is important that any proposed changes to our local health service is subject to the strictest equality assessments.”
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