Carrickfergus Alliance Alderman Stewart Dickson has said anger in the community must ensure the overturning of the decision to reduce Accident and Emergency hours at Whiteabbey Hospital.
Speaking after the accouncement that A+E services at the hospital would close at 5pm rather than 9pm, Alderman Dickson stated: “There is huge anger in the community in Carrickfergus and Greenisland at this outrageous decision.
“I have fought for the hospital for 20 years, including as Chair of the District Health Committee, and will not allow faceless bureaucrats to undo that work done on behalf of people who voted for me.
“I am demanding that the Trust and the Northern Health Board attend a Special Meeting of Carrickfergus Council to answer the democratically elected representatives and explain this decision. They must face up to their responsibility to explain to the community who depend on this hospital how such a decision came about.
“We hear promises, promises, promises about Whiteabbey Hospital, yet all we get is people hiding behind desks making decisions which, frankly, will endanger lives. It is totally unacceptable.
“The community in both Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey council areas may rest assured that I and my Alliance Party colleagues will fight on their behalf to ensure this vital service is retained.”
ENDS