Ford to seek meeting with Northern Health and Social Care Chief

1.02.00pm GMT Mon 24th May 2010

Local Alliance MLA David Ford

Local Alliance MLA David Ford is aiming to meet with the head of the Northern Health and Social Care Council to discuss the resourcing of Antrim Area Hospital, following the news of the transfer of Accident and Emergency services from Mid-Ulster and Whiteabbey Hospitals.

David Ford said: "I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive of the Northern Health and Social Care Council.

"Many people are very concerned about the prospect of long waits at the Accident & Emergency Department in Antrim, given the planned removal of this service from Mid-Ulster and Whiteabbey.

"I want to discuss the resources needed for Antrim Area Hospital given this change. I am also concerned about maternity and psychiatry services and intend to raise these matters at the meeting.

"For years, representatives from the Northern Board and local Trust have told me that the northern area is underfunded in the areas of health and social services. It is vitally important that people here get the same high standard of services as everyone else in Northern Ireland."

ENDS