Patsy McGlone 8th September 2010

McGlone Welcomes Legal Challenge to Hospital Downgrade

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has welcomed the launch of a legal challenge to the decision by the Northern Health Trust to remove Accident & Emergency services from the Mid Ulster Hospital. The application for leave to bring Judicial Review Proceedings is being taken by Magherafelt man John Quinn.

Mr McGlone said, “The SDLP has consistently opposed the removal of Accident & Emergency services from the Mid Ulster Hospital ever since they were proposed in 2002 by then-Health Minister, Bairbre De Brun.

“We were repeatedly told that no action would be taken until proper arrangements were in place elsewhere to cope with the impact of downgrading the hospital here.

“Like a great many people in the area, John was shocked at the sudden nature of that decision and how it was made and it left him deeply concerned and worried as to how his health requirements would be met should accident or emergency befall him.

“I have encouraged and supported John in taking this action. He is undoubtedly doing the community a great service and we fully expect the application to be successful.”
 

ENDS