TUV South Down Candidate Harold McKee says healthcare is a priority
Councillor Harold McKee, Traditional Unionist Voice candidate in the South Down NI Assembly election, has expressed his concerns in relation to the long-standing anxiety of the people of South Down regarding the delivery of healthcare across the area.
He said: “Many in South Down have been exasperated by the impact of the pandemic, but as we move into recovery and beyond, I want to state that I am committed to working to support the delivery of safe, accessible and modern healthcare system fit for the 21st Century.
“Where I live in the Mourne area, we are totally unhappy regarding the withdrawal of A&E services from Daisyhill in Newry and the Downe hospital in Downpatrick.
“:ocal people may have to travel previously for 40 minutes to get to either with little access to public transport.
“It is often easier for people here to travel to Belfast than Craigavon which would be our nearest A&E. That is too far in an emergency, and it is unacceptable that in the 21st century lives are being put at risk in this way.
“However, I read with horror that a young person died in Newry City this weekend as she and her friends waited for 38 minutes for paramedics to come from Belfast as the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service did not have anyone to respond.
“There needs to be a strategic, long-term plan to create a modern, sustainable service and also short-term support for our GPs and hospitals which are under unbearable pressures.”
Mr McKee added: “If elected on 5th May I will prioritise delivery of healthcare for South Down.”we
