Executive must act to prevent further loss of staff in health service says Colin McGrath MLA
SDLP health spokesperson South Down MLA Colin McGrath has said that he has sought assurances that there is no imminent threat to Ward 15 following direct representations, which he has made to the South Eastern Trust, but that the Executive must act to prevent further loss of staff.
Ward 15 is an addiction unit based at the Downshire Estate in Downpatrick with a long history of helping people addressing alcohol and drug addictions.
Commenting, the South Down MLA has said: “I was incredibly concerned when I was alerted recently to the fears some had over the future of Ward 15 in Downpatrick which provides addiction services.
“I understand that there have been some recruitment issues which have led some to fear for the future of this service. I immediately commenced a series of representations to the Trust and I welcome the engagement I had with them.
“I understand that there is no imminent threat to Ward 15 and the jobs of those who are employed there.
“Given that this is a regional unit and that is utilised by those in the Southern and Belfast Trust areas as well, the service is simply too important to lose.
“The Trust have recognised this and I appreciate that they are doing all that they can now to ensure the service continues to operate.”
Colin McGrath added: “There can be no doubt, what is happening in Ward 15 is something we are going to see in other disciplines in the North, as we are now paying the price for the failure of our government to invest in areas such as psychiatry and consultancy.
“We are losing staff to more lucrative offers in the South, and unless the Sinn Fein and DUP-led Executive does something to improve our pay offers to staff then we will only lose more. We are all facing that harsh reality.
“However, I hope the Trust will continue to do everything that can be done to secure the future of Ward 15, and I will continue to work with all to explore how this is done in the medium and long term.”
