Have your say on the plan to close maternity at the Lagan Valley Hospital
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COUNCILLOR Craig's motion met a warm response at Tuesday's monthly meeting when he asked the council chamber to oppose the South Eastern Trust's proposals.

Alderman Ivan Davis said that the threat to Lagan Valley Hospital came as no surprise to him and reiterated that it must stay open. "We need a forceful case to ensure the hospital stays open."

Councillor William Ward highlighted how good the local hospital has been at keeping all caesarean births to only 17% of total births and warmly welcomed the motion.

Councillor Peter O'Hagan commented that the hospital had played a major role in his life and he was fully behind the motion. Alderman Cecil Calvert said that the maternity unit is a "must for Lisburn", and Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn said he will strongly oppose the closure of "this essential service".

MLA Paul Butler welcomed the proposal and spoke of his desire to meet with Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.

Alderman Jim Dillon said that it is most important that the council remain united in their stance against the proposals.

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Minister not seeking cuts

Trevor Lunn
Peter O'Hagan
Paul Butler

 Health Minister Michael McGimpsey not seeking cuts

HEALTH Minister Michael McGimpsey has categorically stated that he is not seeking cuts from the South Eastern Trust.

Speaking in response to concerns about the axing of services at the Lagan Valley Hospital, Mr McGimpsey said he had asked for "efficiencies, not cuts."

He also added that the impact of the Trust's proposals on staff and patients must be "fully explained." "All Departments must achieve 3% efficiency targets per annum across the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) period in line with Executive agreement. For DHSSPS this amounts to �118/L233/�344m expressed cumulatively and therefore all services and all provision must be kept under review," said Mr McGimpsey.

"Trusts must achieve 3% per annum efficiency savings and so I have asked all Trusts to give me their proposals an how CSR efficiencies should be delivered. In developing their proposals, I have specifically asked for efficiencies, not cuts, and that the implications for staff and patients are fully explained. I have not yet received fully worked up proposals from Trusts and I will not be making decisions on Trust efficiency proposals until all these implications are clearly established," he continued.

"Several members of the Assembly have been strongly advocating efficiencies. It is incumbent on us to take the opportunity now to look across the new Trusts and to reshape services where they can be provided more efficiently and effectively. Where monies are freed up, we will invest them into new service developments for the benefit of patients and clients across Northern Ireland."

`Make cuts in administration and not services'

CUTS in administration and not in services to the public should be made to make savings in efficiency according to two Lisburn councillors who are members of the Executive.

Speaking at this week's meeting, Edwin Poots and Jeffrey Donaldson said while cuts need to be made to improve efficiency, they should come from within the administration sector of the South Eastern Trust.

Mr Donaldson acknowledged the Trust was "under a lot of pressure", but insisted the proposed cuts "fall disproportionately on Lisburn City", and are unacceptable.

But he warned there would also be some unpalatable realities.

"I don't think we'll prevent the transfer of obstetrics but there is no reason why we can't have a midwife led unit" he said. "We have the support of the midwives and medical staff and

there is a strong case. More than half the births could be retained and only risk births transferred to other maternity hospitals in belfast.

"My fear is if we lose services. We will lose medical staff and get to the point where the hospital can't operate effectively."