Community united against Dalriada hospital closure

Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay said the community in North Antrim is united against plans to close Dalriada Hospital.

Speaking after attending an emotional and angry public meeting in Ballycastle, the North Antrim MLA said;

"More than 700 people from right across the community attended the public meeting in Skeskburn House, Ballycastle, against plans to close Dalriada Hospital and the MS respite unit.

"This showed the sheer depth of feeling in the area against these unnecessary closures.

"Dalriada Hospital is an essential part of the local community and has served people well for many years.

"The local community has joined together to send a clear message that they will not accept the closure of Dalriada Hospital and I am calling on the health minister, Jim Wells, to listen to the voice of the people.

"The minister needs to look within his department and manage his budget more effectively in order to keep much-needed facilities like this open.

"Instead of spending money on huge payouts to the private sector, the minister should be targeting his budget to ensure frontline services are protected."