NEW Health Minister Jim Wells, a South Down MLA, was put under pressure today in Stormont when he was faced with a question from his fellow South Down Independent Unionist MLA over the public demand to re-open the 24-hour A&E at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick.
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South Down Independent Unionist John McCallister has challenged the new Health Minister Jim Wells over the issue of re-opening the 24-hour A&E in the Downe Hospital.[/caption]
Mr McCallister broached the 64.000 dollar question to Jim Wells who took over the post as Minister for Health Social Services and Public Safetyfrom former Minister Edwin Poots. He has requested Mr Wells to be open and clear about the actions he intends to take to re-establish 24-hour accident and emergency cover, seven days a week, at the Downe District Hospital. Cover was removed in January this year and since then a solid public campaign run by the Down Community Health Committee has kept the public focus on the issue of full access to a Downpatrick A&E for people in Down District.
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In the spotlight over the Downe A&E opening hours issue: New Health Minister Jim Wells MLA.[/caption]
In a statement Mr McCallister said: “I know Jim Wells supports the re-establishment of 24/7 accident and emergency cover at Downe Hospital. As Health Minister he now has an opportunity to act.
“I have asked the Minister what actions he intends to take and I am awaiting his answer.
“At the time the Downe A&E was cut back, I stated that the options around the specialist recruitment of emergency doctors were not adequately explored. I expect the Minister to now finally address this issue.
“The people of Down and Mourne have fought hard for this hospital, and with the on-going pressures on accident and emergency across Northern Ireland, it makes more sense than ever to re-establish adequate cover at the Downe Hospital.”
When the Health Minister finally responds and makes public his views on the Downe A&E, Down News will cover this critical decision which will be eagerly awaited by many in Down District and indeed across the wider South Down.
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The dramatic closure of the evening and weekend services at the Downe A&E department led to deep anger across Down District.[/caption]
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