Daisy Hill Hospital: Newry MLA welcomes COVID-19 investigation

SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty MLA has welcomed confirmation that the RQIA has been asked to lead an investigation into the COVID outbreaks at Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital.

Speaking to Newry Times, McNulty said, “On Monday I tabled an urgent oral question of Minister Swan which meant he was called before the Assembly to address the issue of the COVID outbreak at Daisy Hill. 

“During his contribution, the Minister advised the previously announced investigation at Craigavon was to be now widened to include Daisy Hill. 

“This is a welcome development for the families of those involved, but also for the staff,” he insisted.

“Our staff in Daisy Hill Hospital are amazing people. 

“They are providing compassionate care in the most difficult of circumstances. 

“They are working long hours and from what I can gather their genuine concerns have not been listened to by the Southern Trust,” he continued.

“Staff shouldn’t have to raise their very real and genuine concerns with their public representatives, they should be able to do that in their place of work where they should be addressed appropriately. 

“It appears that this has not been happening, and in fact when concerns around issues like testing or cleaning were raised, it seems they were dismissed.

“I welcome the investigation by RQIA and have already agreed to meet with them along with some of the families and staff concerned. 

The Newry MLA added, “It is important the investigation is robust, transparent, prompt and it must highlight what has gone wrong and where lessons can be learned.”

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Posted by NewryTimes News on Sep 28 2020. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry