Following concerns raised regarding maternity services across the Southern Trust, Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has been in direct contact with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and senior Dept of Health Officials to ensure every effort is being made to address staffing issues and patient safety concerns.

“I have been contacted by numerous staff who have outlined their concerns following a meeting with Southern Trust Senior Management informing them of serious issues with the recruitment of obstetrics and gynae consultants.

“Whilst I am aware this is a regional issue, it appears there are fundamental concerns regarding the capacity of maternity services across the Southern Trust due to a significant shortage of clinicians for this speciality.

“Just a few weeks ago we saw a temporary divert put in place from Daisy Hill maternity to Craigavon for labouring women due to staff shortages, however this was said to be in result of staff sickness.

“I am now deeply concerned to learn there are further issues identified by the Trust at consultant level, and I have been engaging with both the Minister and his Permanent Secretary from the earliest possible stage, and will continue to do so until a viable solution is found to stabilise this vital service for women and babies in my constituency.”