Expectant mothers face 'nightmare' over Daisy Hill service suspension plan

Mothers waiting to give birth at Daisy Hill have described Monday's announcement that maternity services may be suspended at the hospital, as "a kick in the teeth".

It was reported that no babies will be delivered at the Newry hospital if plans for a temporary suspension of services go ahead amid "significant" workforce pressures.

The Southern Trust has not been able to recruit consultant obstetricians to fill vacancies and it is preparing to temporarily move inpatient maternity services to Craigavon Area Hospital.

While Health Minister Robbie Butler said the move is not final, it is a serious problem for those expecting - like Carol McGahon who, at 30 weeks pregnant, described the move as "a nightmare".

Living in Kilkeel she told BBC News NI that the change of location for her, which was already about 45 minutes away, means "more travelling, more time of work and a bit more anxiety-inducing".

"It's a bit of a kick in the teeth for such a lovely hospital because I have enjoyed coming here. All the staff are lovely, the maternity unit is fab, so I'll be sad to see that happen."

The time it will take for her to get to Craigavon Area Hospital will nearly double.

"I had a few scans there and it's like an hour and a half away," she said.

"We had to circle parking for like 40 minutes before we even got in.This is actually a bit of a nightmare. This is going to change things."

Regarding the location of Daisy Hill she said: "It's bad even travelling that much, if in an emergency, and I had complications with my other delivery, so I'd be a bit fearful of having to travel that far."

Like her mother before her, Eimear McVerry was hoping to give birth at Daisy Hill.

Some 28 weeks pregnant and just home from Australia, she called the move "bit inconvenient" due to the fact she was only 15 minutes down the road from Daisy Hill.

"It's a bit disappointing, and I had been happy so far, but this is now the first that I have heard of it.

"It's kind of just shocking really. You get used to the staff and all you're seeing and then go to a completely new place you know nothing about," she said.