‘Poots must inject re-allocated funds towards health service’ – Ritchie

SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie has called for the Health Minister to ensure some of the £30 million that is being re-allocated to health services is granted to the Downe Hospital.

Speaking to Newry Times, Ritchie said, “While I am pleased that this money has been released to support our critically under-funded health services it must be directed in an effective manner.

“It was the weekend closure of the Downe District hospital that led directly to the crisis at the Royal Victoria Hospital and it is vital that this money is used to restore weekend services to the Downe Hospital. This is a vital local service that must be re-instated and protected.

“These funds are welcome but I am worried that it will only provide a temporary solution to the long-term problem of the overall shortage of A&E doctors.

Ritchie added, “Until this is resolved we can expect to continually have to pump money into the system to fill gaps that have been caused by a longstanding lack of investment.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Jan 28 2014. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry