A Northern Ireland council’s “no brainer” plan to provide its HQ building for hospital expansion is to be made public as a matter of “priority”.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) is currently based on Monaghan Row in the border city just yards from Daisy Hill hospital.
The council, which also has offices in Downshire Civic Centre in Downpatrick, is planning a £20m new-build in Newry city centre, which will create an opening for its old chambers to be acquired by the Southern Trust
Read more: NI council chairman speaks out on daughter's A&E wait over two days.
Crotlieve Sinn Féin councillor Gerry O’Hare brought forward the motion to council.
It reads: “This council commits as a matter of priority, to make public its plan to facilitate the transfer of the Monaghan Row site to the Southern Trust, so that Daisy Hill can join the Elective Care Centre model and play an important role in tackling our lengthy waiting lists and improving outcomes for our patients.”
He added: “This is a no brainer decision and I am glad we are all on the same page. Hopefully this will come about soon enough.”
Health Minister Robin Swann recently announced that Daisy Hill hospital will become an Elective Overnight Stay Centre for patients requiring intermediate complexity surgery with an overnight stay.
However, Slieve Gullion UUP councillor David Taylor put forward an amendment to the motion to clarify that the acquisition of the Monaghan Row site was not crucial for the new elective centre.
“The wording of the motion should be for the overall development of Daisy Hill and not to suggest that is required for the elective overnight stay, as that is not the case.
“I do support Monaghan Row being developed for the Southern Trust.”
Emotive backing for the motion was heard from, Mourne DUP councillor, Glyn Hanna saying: “My own father passed away as Daisy Hill some three to four months ago and had great care from all the staff there.
“I know how much pressure they are under in Daisy Hill. Monaghan Row would substantially increase the service delivered at Daisy Hill.”
A date for the plans to be made public has yet to be made.
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