WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT REMOVAL OF ACUTE SERVICES FROM DAISY HILL ACUTE HOSPITAL, NEWRY?

Whether it’s the Type 1 ED, Specialist Stroke Unit and even vital CT scanners – it’s a Tug of War with the Southern Trust. FINALLY NOW – here’s something we can do. We have an address and an opportunity to air our views as part of a Department of Health Framework Consultation. So we MUST USE THIS OPPORTUNITY –as Daisy Hill needs us!

During the Covid pandemic, at a days notice, (without providing a nearby alternative)  the Southern Trust removed Daisy Hill Acute Hospital’s 24/7 Type 1 ED services and staff to provide 3 EDs in Craigavon Hospital – one Covid 19, one non Covid 19 and a new Children’s ED.

YOU CAN HELP shape the future, and ensure Daisy Hill isn’t missing from the Regional network as Northern Ireland Rebuilds during and after covid-19 by replying to the ‘Temporary Amendments to the HSC Framework Document’ Consultation, by this Friday 4th December 2020, 5pm.

The Consultation Documents along with info on how to respond can be read in full at: www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/HSCframework (Additionally Consultation Links are available at the end of this article.)

IMPORTANT ASPECTS DIGESTED

The Department of Health (NI) has made temporary changes to the 2011 Health and Social Care (HSC) Framework Document where it describes the Role and Responsibilities of HSC bodies .So, the Consultation asks :

1. If we agree with ‘temporary’ amendments needed to change these roles and responsibilities. Although they frame it as an “administrative” change it will mean HSC Trusts will have MORE POWER than before.

2. If we agree with their decision to establish a ‘new’ Management Board for Rebuilding HSC Services in NI (which has been in operation since June 2020 without consultation, until now).

TRUSTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE GO AHEAD TO REBUILD AND EXPAND SERVICES WHERE THEY WANT.

The only function of Trusts before was as a ‘provider’ of hospital and community services. But as part of these amendments to the 2011 Framework Document in this Consultation – the role of Trusts is now elevated. Trusts are now responsible for assessing their population needs, planning to meet those needs and delivering ‘appropriate’ services in whatever location or hospital they deem appropriate.

If these changes to the 2011 HSC Framework Document go through according to this current Consultation, the Southern Trust will have the loudest voice influencing the future of Daisy Hill.

This will have a huge impact on all ED and specialist inpatient acute hospital services (including children’s services) in Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry as well as Capital investment shaping the future of Daisy Hill acute Hospital for good. Can you help?

PLEASE ENSURE DAISY HILL PART OF NI REBUILDING PLANS NOW – REPLY TO THE CONSULTATION

Nearly £7 billion has been allocated to the Department of Health and the Southern Trust handle over £800 million – we are entitled to our share of this. If we lose services in these Rebuilding Plans for two years to May 2022 we will not get them back. You can Reply to the Consultation to give your views and ensure Daisy Hill, Newry is part of the NI Health and Social Care Rebuilding Plans at both a Regional and local level.

As Health Minister Robin Swann MLA rightly stated at the 10th Annual Nicon Conference 2020

“Whilst we must face the challenges that lie ahead, we must also continue to rebuild; to transform our services in a way that ensures they are here for those who need them today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”

Robin Swann MLA (10th Annual Nicon Conference 2020)

Newry & Mourne is projected to be the 3rd highest population in NI by 2025 and presently has the 3rd highest population of children in the whole of NI after only Belfast and greater Belfast.

We are entitled to the same investment as Altnagelvin. We must speak up for ourselves as we have seen that the Southern Trust priorities are not with Daisy Hill

We have to respond to this Consultation and speak up for ourselves, our children and their children to ensure retention and expansion of acute specialist acute services (including children’s services) in Daisy Hill acute Hospital in NI HSC Rebuilding plans NOW.

Ways to Respond

Dont forget the deadline is this Friday 4th December 2020, 5pm.

You can reply using the Online Consultation page available at: https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/doh-healthcare-policy-group/temporary-amendments-to-the-health-and-social-care/

Which ever you prefer. But please do take part – do it for your family, the future of Daisy Hill, for those who cant take part themselves and for generations to come. Full instructions for responding to this Consultation are available on the Department of Health’s website at: www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/HSCframework

Nearly £7 billion has been allocated to the Department of Health and the Southern Trust handle over £800 million – we are entitled to our share of this. If we lose services in these Rebuilding Plans for two years to May 2022 we will not get them back. There has been a hospital in Newry for 175 years – NO ONE IS ENTITLED TO TAKE IT AWAY.

EXTERNAL LINKS TO CONSULTATION

Consultation on Temporary Amendments to the Health and Social Care Framework Document for the period June 2020 to May 2022

All Consultation Documents can be found at www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/HSCframework

You can also respond to the issues using the online questionnaire, which can be accessed at the following website https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/doh-healthcare-policy-group/temporary-amendments-to-the-health-and-social-care

Rebuilding HSC Services Programme Coordination Office, Department of Health, Annexe 3, Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SQ

Email: RebuildingHSC.Services@health-ni.gov.uk

Telephone: 028 9052 3231

The Department of Health is inviting us all to tell them what we think about the new Amendments. If we DON’T respond we are letting the DoH and Southern Trust Rebuild (or not) for us and future generations – without us.

Thankyou.

BACKGROUND INFO AND DOCUMENTS

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT 2011: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/dhssps-framework-document-september-2011

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/winter-surge-plans  (nb The Surge Planning Strategic Framework pdf   (nb see APPENDIX A – CCANNI CRITICAL CARE SURGE PLAN page 59) http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/coronavirus/covid-19-rebuilding-services/hospital-services/  All Trusts Phase 1+ Phase 2 Plans

Link to Rural Needs Act:  https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2016/19/pdfs/nia_20160019_en.pdf