In the aftermath of weeks of discussions about the future of Bangor Community Hospital, and in particular the imminent closure of 20 beds, Ulster Unionist MLA Leslie Cree has said that there are now more questions than answers – but at what cost to our people and front line services?
Leslie Cree said:
“The DUP politicians in North Down have been making protestations left, right and centre about saving Bangor Hospital. But I reiterate, it is their own Minister who has the sole power to do this. All of the DUP representatives in North Down have the ear of their own Minister and should know that in June 2013, almost eighteen months ago, the Northern Ireland Executive, of which the DUP Health Minister at the time Mr. Poots was a member, was informed of the budget allocation. I ask the question again , why now and why were the people of North Down given only weeks to try to overturn a situation at the eleventh hour when clearly discussions should have a least taken place or warning signs been registered well over a year ago.
It is my opinion that the DUP have made everyone suffer needlessly for weeks of campaigning for something that could have already been decided or alternatively or worse something which they already knew for sure would not happen? Shame on them if this is the case.
“Only the Health Minister has the power now to intervene and save the future of the 20 bed unit in Bangor Community Hospital. Why wait until after the next financial year or after Westminster election results? Why not now when the people need answers?”
“Jim Wells and his Party colleagues are now acutely aware of the strength of feeling within the community and people power has left no doubt that we require our hospital to continue to operate at its full capacity. Indeed with a growing population and an increase in our elderly population, it is crucial to maintain the service. I will end with one single question and that is quite simply – Why is there no financial strategy or are we looking at an election strategy before answers will be forthcoming?”