Speaking after the Health Minister’s statement to the Assembly Mrs Dodds said, “The Minister was correct to recognise that some midwives have been left exhausted and burned out. Maternity care has become increasingly complex with more women giving birth later in life and some having health problems which bring extra risk.
The review rightly demands consistency in the standards of maternity care across Northern Ireland. The safest possible care is essential and there have been real concerns expressed that maternity services, not just at Daisy Hill, but in Craigavon Area Hospital, are in jeopardy.
Whilst there are obviously issues for the Department, the Minister’s comments in relation to the Southern Trust are notable. There was a recognition of the staffing challenges that exist, but it was right that decisions taken by the Southern Trust are examined, and how apparently “temporary decisions” are restricting the ability of the Department of Health to take action in this area.
I will continue to review this situation within the Southern Trust Area and will work with the Minister to see the stabilisation of maternity services in the area. Women within Upper Bann and the surrounding area deserve to have maternity services they can have full confidence in.”