South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has urged members of the South Down community to stand in solidarity to “save the Downe hospital”.
Ms Ritchie made the comments ahead of a march to support the retention of services at the Downe on Saturday afternoon.
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South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has called for full support from local people at the Love the Downe Rally opposing reductions in hospital services at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick.xa0[/caption]She said: “I am calling on everyone in the South Down community to come together this Saturday and send out a clear message that we will not accept any attempt to dismantle the vital service provided by the Downe Hospital.
“This is a call for everyone, students and teachers, farmers and shop owners, young and old, we will all be affected by the loss of this these essential services so we must all fight to save it. The wider community must show its resolve and travel to this march and demonstrate their solidarity.
“The Health Minister must hear that we are demanding the retention of services, we are demanding the reinstatement of coronary care and we are demanding that the Minister transfers services from Ulster Hospital to the Downe and begin equitable healthcare provision between urban and rural communities.
“It is beggar’s belief that the NI Executive intends to gut a £65 million asset and I urge everyone who values healthcare t0 mobilise on Saturday at 2pm on the Ardglass Road in Downpatrick outside the Downshire Estate and show that the health of rural communities is off limits to any cuts.”
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