Ulster Unionist North Antrim MLA Robin Swann has welcomed a ruling from a High Court Judge which has instructed the Northern Health Trust to admit new patients to Dalriada Hospital until a legal challenge to the temporary closure of units has been decided.
Robin Swann said:
“It is widely accepted that the decision made at the end of October to close Dalriada was based not on what was best for patients, but rather what best suited the Northern Trust and made short term cost savings.
“The claim from Mr Justice Tracey that injustice was likely to follow if the hospital was to close before proper consultation is a hammer blow to those in the Trust and Health Department who appear determined to close this service.
“I had raised concerns from the outset that closing the hospital immediately made no medical or financial sense, was hugely unfair on the staff, and gave the local community no opportunity to have a say on the future of the hospital.
“In addition, last month I led an Assembly debate that resulted in a unanimous call for Health Minister Jim Wells to reverse the decision.
“This ruling is now a major step towards vindicating the concerns that have been raised over the last 5 weeks. I would pay tribute to the community of Ballycastle and beyond for the campaign that has been organised so far to keep the Dal open. This ruling is a testament to their commitment and in particular I would praise Philomena McKay, herself a MS sufferer, for taking forward this legal action.”