A campaign group in Newry has claimed that the last baby will be born at Daisy Hill Hospital on November 24, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The Daisy Hill SOS group made the claim at a public meeting on Thursday, where a packed hotel room heard calls to protect the hospital's maternity service.

Key points

  • Last birth date claimed — Daisy Hill SOS says staff were told the final birth will be on November 24.
  • Public rally planned — a march from Marcus Square to Daisy Hill is set for October 25 at 2.30pm, with 20,000 to 30,000 people sought.
  • Petition grows — a UNISON online petition to save the service has passed 12,000 signatures.
  • Trust response — the Southern Trust says safety is its priority and contingency plans are in place.

The Southern Trust recently announced that almost 2,000 babies may temporarily not be born at Daisy Hill because of a shortage of obstetrician consultants. The trust's deputy chief executive, Colm McCafferty, said: "Our overriding priority is, and always must be, the safety of women and babies." He added that discussions are ongoing to find sufficient clinical expertise, but that contingency plans are being made in case inpatient maternity services must be consolidated to Craigavon Area Hospital in the coming weeks.

Eddie Curtis, a spokesperson for Daisy Hill SOS, told the meeting that the information about the November 24 date came from a meeting with staff that day. "We can't let that happen," he said. Mr Curtis, a former chief executive of Newry Mourne and Down District Council, also said that a young mother from Kilkeel went into labour quickly last week and was trapped in her home. The PSNI confirmed that police and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service forced entry and found the baby not breathing. Both mother and baby were taken to Daisy Hill Hospital and are in a stable condition.

Mr Curtis said the case showed why the hospital is needed. "If we didn't have Daisy Hill, that baby would not be here today," he said. He urged people to attend the rally on October 25 and to bring their families.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

For families in Newry and the surrounding areas, the possible loss of maternity services at Daisy Hill would mean longer journeys to Craigavon Area Hospital for antenatal care and birth. That could add stress and travel time, especially for those without easy access to a car. The trust says no final decision has been made, but contingency plans are already being prepared.

  • Check your options — if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, ask your midwife or GP what the current arrangements are and whether your care could change.
  • Have your say — the public rally on October 25 and the UNISON petition are ways to make your views known before any decision is taken.
  • Plan ahead — if services do move, think about travel times and support you might need for appointments at Craigavon.