SOS Causeway campaign group announce December Rally

SOS Causeway Hospital will hold a public rally on Saturday, December 7 at 1pm delivering a final message to the NHSCT and Minister of Health following the closure of the Public Consultation on what would essentially remove emergency and general surgery from Causeway Hospital.

Commenting on this decision, Chairperson of SOS Causeway Hospital, Gemma Brolly explained: “A few weeks ago, many here in the Causeway Coast and Glens area attended the ‘listening event’ facilitated by the NHSCT. The opinion in the room that night was unanimous and reflects the opinion of every person who has contacted us, the community here in the North Coast, Glens and throughout are fed up being ignored when it comes to ‘listening events’ and consultations. They made themselves very clear as both professionals in the field and service-users, that the current plans and mitigations in place for the Trust’s ‘preferred option’ which would result in the removal of general and emergency surgery from our local hospital are not suffice. The public are in no way reassured or convinced that this will improve waiting list lengths and times, or indeed improve the health and wellbeing of their lives.

"The NHSCT themselves have referenced the lack of public trust and while we as an organisation in SOS Causeway Hospital have welcomed the increased communication and cooperation, we have made clear there is only one way to regain our trust and that is to prove by action, our concerns, our ideas and opinions are incorporated in any plans moving forward. SOS Causeway volunteers continue to work hard to ensure as many as possible are aware of the current proposal and complete the cirrent consultation profroma. We are ensuring the public's voices are heard but the question remains will they truly be listened to?”

Vice Chairperson Adele Tomb continued to explain: “We have learned from past experience that many find out too late about these decisions, not having prior knowledge of existing consultations so this time round, our passionate volunteers have worked hard to ensure this is not the case by encouraging the public to complete and return consultation responses. We are fulfilling our duty as active citizens in ensuring our voices are heard, but whether the NHSCT and moreover the Health Minister and his Department will truly fulfil their role, particularly as public representatives, remains very much to be seen.”

In conclusion Ms Brolly remarked: “SOS Causeway Hospital will do all in their power to bring about genuine cohesion in fighting for the services they believe the people of Causeway Coast and Glens deserve. We will leave no stone unturned, which is why we have decided to come together as one community to deliver our message to Minister Nesbitt, his department and the NHSCT – Your ‘preferred option’ is not ours! Rethink the transformation and implement what truly is the safest decision for all.”

SOS Causeway Hospital will meet on Thursday, November 7 at 7pm in Coleraine Town Hall to plan the way forward. All are welcome.