SOS Causeway Hospital to address council in crucial deputation workshop

SOS Causeway Hospital will make an important presentation to the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council at a deputation workshop tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16, to address recent developments and discuss the future of Causeway Hospital.

The presentation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing campaign to secure sustainable and equitable healthcare provision for the Causeway area.

The campaign group will then hold a public meeting where they will update the public on the deputation workshop meeting and recent findings.

The group will use the opportunity to highlight the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and long-term planning in relation to services at Causeway Hospital. Members of the public are encouraged to take note of which elected representatives attend this workshop, as their presence will reflect their commitment to the future of our local health service.

“We will continue to work for genuine and meaningful engagement with all stakeholders, and we will hold decision-makers to account,” said Gemma Brolly, Chairperson of SOS Causeway Hospital.

“This deputation is a vital step in ensuring that the voices of this community are heard. We demand that decisions affecting our hospital be made in the public interest, not behind closed doors. People are sick of being ignored outside of election time. We would impress upon all our elected representatives to attend Wednesday's meeting. Following this we will hold a public meeting, with details on this to follow soon.”

Supporting the group's message, retired physician Dr. Owen Finnegan, who served the Causeway community for over three decades, underscored the significance of maintaining a fully operational hospital in the region.

“Causeway Hospital has served this community with distinction—it is not only viable, but it provides the essential acute and emergency services that every community needs." Dr Finnegan continued, "Loss of inpatient acute services would result in longer travel times for urgent care resulting in poorer outcomes and deepened health inequalities.”

The group urges the public and press to observe closely and support efforts to protect local healthcare. "We need to see strong leadership and a clear show of support from our councillors this week," Brolly added. "This is not a time for silence or absence—it is a time for action."

For updates and further information, follow SOS Causeway Hospital on social media or contact the group directly at soscauseway@gmail.com.