South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has called for urgent government action to tackle the crisis in Accident and Emergency units as a result of the shortage of doctors.
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Unison Downe Hospital Branch Secretary Marion Ritchie and Chairperson Sonia Graham with South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and Strangford MP Jim Shannon pictured in December 2013 outside a protest in the Downshire Estate in Downpatrick over the cuts to the Downe A&E service.[/caption]
Speaking during Health Questions in the House of Commons today, Ms Ritchie called for a recruitment drive to urgently address areas of need.
She said: “Accident and Emergency wards are under huge strain as a result of the shortage of middle grade doctors, and recruitment of more A&E doctors is an urgent necessity.
“It is an issue of leadership. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine, which recruits doctors for both Ireland and Britain, is best placed to take action on the matter and they must be urged to do so.
“In my own constituency, I see the impact in the Downe Hospital and in Daisy Hill Hospital from the lack of Accident and Emergency doctors. There is a duty on the government to ensure this crisis does not deepen further.
“Today I raised the issue during Health Questions to highlight the crisis facing A&E wards who are under immense strain due to staffing pressures and the lack of available trained A&E doctors. I will continue to pursue this issue on the floor of the House of Commons at every opportunity.”
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The last straw: the reduction in the 24/7 A&E care at the Downe Hospital has angered the population of Down District and beyond.[/caption]
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