Daisy Hill Hospital resumes maternity services after staffing shortages caused weekend closure

Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry resumed maternity and gynaecology services on Monday morning following a temporary weekend closure.

The suspension began on Friday evening after the Southern Health Trust reported unexpected staff sickness that left the unit unable to provide safe medical cover. Expectant mothers were diverted to Craigavon Area Hospital, located about 20 miles away, while the trust worked to secure emergency medical cover. Local politicians and healthcare advocates expressed alarm over the disruption, citing it as evidence of a deepening staffing crisis in the region's health system.

Trust officials are now reviewing contingency plans to prevent similar short-term closures as they face ongoing recruitment challenges across Northern Ireland.