THE South Eastern Trust has confirmed that there are “no plans” to close the Downshire Hospital’s addiction unit.
Following the raising of local concerns about the future of Shimna House (Ward 15) – particularly given the news of the departure of its consultant psychiatrist – the council unanimously backed a notice of motion voicing its support for the Downpatrick facility’s retention on Monday.
When contacted for comment on the unit’s future, a Trust spokesperson said: “The South Eastern Trust can confirm that there are no plans to close Ward 15 at the Downshire Hospital, and there is no impact on the staff currently employed there.
“The Trust is fully committed to ensuring the continuity of service provided by Ward 15, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure the service continues to operate.”
Monday’s motion, tabled by Oonagh Hanlon (Sinn Féin, Downpatrick), noted with concern that services at Ward 15 ‘may be at risk’, and asked that council support its retention.
It also acknowledged ‘the work of the management and staff who provide essential services regionally to support those with alcohol and drug addictions and to support their journey to recovery’, and asked that letters be sent to the Trust and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to ask them to note ‘Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s support for full retention of services’ and to ask that they ‘fully commit to ensuring this facility remains open’.
Speaking on her proposal, Cllr Hanlon said that it was “a really important issue, not only for Downpatrick and the wider area, but for the region, as it is a regional facility”.
“In recent days, our Sinn Féin team has been contacted by family and friends of service users, concerned that services at Ward 15 in Shimna House are under threat,” she continued.
“They, along with staff, need to have steadfast assurances from the Department of Health and the South Eastern Trust that these services are not at risk.”
The Downpatrick representative added that, during a recent visit to the facility, it stood out to her that it provides “a calm shelter at a time when service users are in turmoil”.
“It is vital that the necessary action is taken to retain these services, which are a lifeline for so many in Downpatrick and further afield,” she stated.
“The South Eastern Trust and Department of Health must work together to ensure that these services are not only protected but enhanced into the future.”
Her party colleague Philip Campbell (Downpatrick) seconded the proposal, and highlighted “the importance of these services in the local area”.
Gareth Sharvin (SDLP, Downpatrick) said that his party has also been contacted by people concerned about the future of Ward 15.
He stressed its importance as “a subregional addiction facility”, highlighting that it also serves the Belfast and Southern Trusts.
“It has been shared by the Trust today with myself in correspondence that they have raised an early alert, and there has been a positive response in trying to at least get a locum in place, so that there is a temporary solution, given the consultant is leaving,” the councillor added.
Cllr Sharvin also asked that a scheduled special council meeting with the South Eastern Trust be brought forward from October to September, and this was agreed.
In voicing her support for the motion, Jill Truesdale (Alliance, Mournes) described Ward 15 as “a tranquil space of peace”.
“I used to make referrals to Ward 15, and there has always been only one consultant psychiatrist – that has always been an issue,” she stated.
“Even though that psychiatrist is leaving to go elsewhere – that could be because of pay or whatever – there is still only one consultant psychiatrist, so there is a skill shortage that needs to be looked at within that space of addiction.
“It is not an easy issue.”
Henry Reilly (DUP, Mournes) said that he had been shocked to hear reports that Ward 15 might be “under threat”.
“The thought of that being taken away from the community, it beggars belief,” he added.
“It should be enhanced, and those facilities vastly increased to facilitate the growing number of young people who want help.
“It is very disturbing, and I think we have to do our absolute best to maintain that facility and enhance it in the future.”
David Taylor (UUP, Slieve Gullion) stated that the council needs to “impress upon the Trust and the Health Minister the need to make sure there is a permanent and long-term plan in place to protect the services that exist”.
Jonny Jackson (DUP, Rowallane) said that he recognised “the importance of Shimna House and the facility that it provides for the local community”.
Concluding the discussion, Cllr Hanlon thanked the chamber for its unanimous support.
“It goes without saying that staff and patients deserve to have these assurances and the stability that is so much needed for the most vulnerable in our society,” she stated.
