The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has reported severe medical workforce pressures in inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital after a series of consultant obstetrician retirements and resignations.

Despite ongoing recruitment drives across the UK and overseas, the Trust has not yet filled the vacancies, reflecting a wider shortage of obstetric consultants in Northern Ireland and the UK.

The Trust said it remains committed to maintaining inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill and emphasised that the safety of women and babies is paramount.

Chief Executive Steve Spoerry said: "The Minister of Health, Robbie Butler, has asked the wider Northern Ireland health and social care system to explore what support may be available to help maintain inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital. We welcome this intervention and are actively engaging with system partners, while continuing our recruitment efforts." He added: "While we work with colleagues across the system to explore every available option, it is responsible and necessary that we also develop a contingency plan. This would include the temporary consolidation of all births and inpatient maternity care at Craigavon Area Hospital, should that become necessary to maintain safe care for women and babies. Contingency planning will consider the changes required at both hospitals, including the capacity needed at Craigavon Area Hospital to accommodate additional births and the provision of appropriate obstetric support for the Emergency Department at Daisy Hill Hospital. We will work closely with the Department of Health, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group and the Public Health Agency as these plans are developed."

Mr Spoerry continued: "We are providing this update now because we are committed to communicating openly and transparently with pregnant women, staff and the wider public."

Women are not required to take any action at this time. Anyone with concerns should speak to their midwife first or call the dedicated maternity information line on 028 3756 1325 between 2.00pm and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.