TUV leader Jim Allister and councillors Stephen Cooper (Ards and North Down) and Henry Reilly (Newry, Mourne and Down) visited Downe Hospital on Thursday. Speaking after the visit Jim Allister said:
“I had a busy afternoon with Cllrs Henry Reilly and Stephen Cooper meeting with Downe Hospital Campaign Group and visiting the hospital. I was shocked to see how much this £65m state of the art hospital has been deliberately run down. It has marvelous facilities but key services are being stripped out.
“This is clearly short sighted folly, which is leaving the local community short-changed.”
Councillor Reilly said:
“I would like to thank the members of the Downe Community Health Committee including their chairman Mr Eamonn McGrady for taking time to meet with us and discuss their concerns. The vigorous campaign which they have maintained for a number of years now has been vital to maintaining the hospital.
“I am pleased that party leader Jim Allister will be pressing the issues raised with us in the Assembly via written questions to the Health Minister.”
Councillor Cooper said:
“The health service is constantly top of everyone’s list when it comes to important local issues. Regardless of community background or political opinion we all value this vital service. It is totally unacceptable that Stormont has money to squander on more special advisers than anywhere else in the UK while the Downe has had essential services stripped out.”