Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has emphasised the need for road upgrades before any decisions are made to relocate health services. This statement comes in light of plans to temporarily move maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital due to staffing shortages. Kimmins highlighted that rural communities lack the necessary infrastructure to travel longer distances for healthcare, which could lead to significant delays in accessing vital services.
The minister pointed out that without improved connectivity, women in rural areas may face long journeys to receive maternity care, raising concerns about their safety and wellbeing. She stressed that road projects, such as the A1 upgrade and bypasses in Ballynahinch and Cookstown, must be prioritised to ensure safe access to healthcare.
Kimmins’ comments reflect a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of infrastructure and health services. As health departments consider moving services, the lack of adequate transport links could exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access, particularly for those living in remote areas.
The call for infrastructure improvements is not just about roads; it’s about ensuring that all communities can access essential services without undue hardship. This situation underscores the importance of cross-departmental collaboration to address these pressing issues effectively.
Source: BBC News
