Supporting Women Newry backs fair treatment for health service users and for disabled women.
Supporting Women Newry is headed up by two women whose commitment to the health service is unwavering, not least because of their recent and immediate experience as health service users.
They have been joined by another woman with disabilities as they make a concerted effort to make sure other people with disabilities, men, women and children, have an unhindered and unimpeded journey through the gates of Daisy Hill hospital.
A spokesperson for SWN said: “As women with disabilities and complex health needs, we know only too well that needing health care, whether scheduled or an emergency, is traumatic enough without running the gauntlet of protestors.
“We have been contacted by women who have lost their babies and been confronted by graphic images and allegations of babies being killed on Trust premises. We can only imagine how this cruelty is affecting their recovery and their mental health”.
SWN have received significant support from the local community including the unanimous decision by Newry Mourne and Down Council to seek an exclusion zone around our health and social care facilities.
“We are buoyed by the support of our local representatives but realise that legislation and enforcement is needed from Stormont. Liz Kimmins, a Newry MLA, has been steadfast in her support for staff, patients and visitors alike.
“We would also like to mention Clare Bailey and the Green Party who have understood the need for exclusion zones around health care facilities in their Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy bill at Stormont.
“We now need the commitment of the other MLAs from Newry and Armagh and South Down to stand with us.”
