Southern Trust Update On Daisy Hill Maternity

Update on proposed temporary consolidation of Inpatient Maternity Services from Daisy Hill Hospital

A spokesperson for the Southern Trust said that “the Trust is continuing its efforts to secure Consultant Obstetricians for Daisy Hill Hospital while also preparing contingency arrangements to temporarily consolidate births and inpatient maternity care at Craigavon Area Hospital from 23rd November 2026.

“No formal decision has yet been taken, and efforts to secure the necessary clinical expertise are continuing.

Trust Chief Executive Steve Spoerry said: “While extensive efforts continue across the regional Health and Social Care system, the consultant obstetric workforce needed to safely maintain inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital by midNovember has not yet been confirmed.

“We are therefore continuing to plan for possible consolidation of from Monday 23 November 2026.”

The service has faced significant workforce pressure following the retirement and resignation of several consultant obstetricians says the Trust. And despite sustained national and international recruitment they have been unable to fill the vacancies, reflecting a wider shortage across Northern Ireland and the UK.

An additional five permanent consultants are needed to provide a safe service at Daisy Hill.

Steve added: “We deeply appreciate the strength of public support for local maternity services and recognise how important these services are to women, families and the wider community.

“We understand the concern this situation is causing. We are grateful to women, families, staff, trade unions, elected representatives and others who have shared their views, ideas and feedback.

“Our intention remains to maintain inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital, provided that sufficient clinical expertise can be recruited and retained to support a safe and sustainable service.

“Our overriding priority remains the safety of women and babies and ensuring every woman has access to safe, responsive maternity
care.

“We greatly appreciate the continued efforts of our HSC and Health Service Executive partners to find solutions to avoid this situation.

“However, if sufficient cover cannot be confirmed, we will have no alternative but to implement the contingency plan developed with teams at both hospitals and regional partners from the 23rd November 2026.

“Recruitment drives and efforts to secure support will continue. “I thank our maternity team for their professionalism and compassionate care throughout these difficult circumstances. They are doing everything possible to support women and families through this period of uncertainty.”

The Trust said that maternity staff are contacting women due to give birth at Daisy Hill Hospital after the 23rd November.

Anyone with concerns who has not been contacted should speak to their midwife or call the maternity information line on 028 3756 1325, Monday to Friday, 2.00pm–5.00pm.

A further update will be provided at the public Trust Board meeting on Tuesday 3rd November at Monaghan Row, Newry.