Maternity services move from Newry to Craigavon despite protests

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 00:31 · Archive

Southern Health Trust is temporarily moving inpatient maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry to Craigavon Area Hospital, 40 miles away.

The Southern Health Trust plans to temporarily consolidate inpatient maternity services at Craigavon Area Hospital from 23 November, moving them from Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry. The trust says it has been unable to recruit enough consultant obstetricians to safely staff both hospitals, and that consolidating care at Craigavon is the safest and most sustainable arrangement.

In 2025, 1,713 babies were born at Daisy Hill Hospital. The trust has five vacant obstetrician posts and says it cannot provide safe maternity services without the required medical cover. The trust's chief executive told Stormont's Health Committee that keeping women and babies safe is its highest priority.

Local mothers oppose the move. One woman, Natasha Daryaie, said when she went into premature labour, midwives at Daisy Hill wanted to send her to Craigavon but were told there was no room. She was eventually taken 40 miles to another hospital, where she spent four nights. She questioned what it means for women unable to give birth in their own city. The trust says it is continuing efforts to recruit consultant obstetricians for Daisy Hill while preparing the temporary move.

How it is being reported

• 'What does it say if a woman can't give birth in her own city?'The Southern Health Trust plans to temporarily transfer inpatient maternity services from Daisy Hill to Craigavon.BBC Northern Ireland · 27 Oct, 00:00
• Southern Health Trusts still moving maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital despite protestsDespite a major street protest by the public, plans are going ahead to temporarily move maternity services from Newry to Craigavon Area Hospital – meaning a possible two hour journey for some anxious mothers-to-be.News Letter · 26 Oct, 17:09

In this story: Southern Health Trust · Daisy Hill Hospital · Craigavon Area Hospital · Newry · Natasha Daryaie

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