Down Workers Relocating

“SIMPLY impossible,” were the words from one South Eastern HSC Trust (SET) employee describing the latest proposal to move staff from Downe Hospital to Ballymena, writes Anne O'Hare.

At a recent meeting, 34 accounts payable and human resource staff, were told by the SET they could be relocated to Braid Valley Hospital in Ballymena, as early as next September.

Rosemary Bonner, has been based at the Downe Hospital for several years. She voiced her anger at why they have been targeted at a time when the SET out-preformed all the other Trusts in Northern Ireland, for efficiency.

She said: “Why are we being targeted to move? It's an absolute disgrace. We are all very angry at the move as it's just not feasible for us to travel to Ballymena.

“I am one of the accounts payable staff and we process over 10,000 invoices each month and deal with 4,000 employee travel claim forms here at Bernagh House.

“Between ourselves and the human resource staff we total 34 workers, of which seven are male. We all live in and around Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Killyleagh and one man lives near Glasdrumman. And this relocation will mean at least a 130 mile round trip for all of us. It's simply impossible.”

Rosemary described the effects from previous staff cuts. She added: “The SET came together in 2008 when it amalgamated with the Ulster Community Trust, through the review of administration.

“We've also had a further reduction of staff since. And this move, as you can imagine, is the last straw.”

“And we've also been told, Downe Hospital will not be designated as a Centre of Excellence, while the rest of SET will be included.”

Meanwhile, the SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie said: “At a time of cuts to public service and in an area that has a public service-led economy it makes no sense financially, geographically, or at a human resource level to transfer a substantial number of finance staff from an existing base in Downpatrick

“And from an area, with the upcoming development of the public sector estate at the Downshire Hospital Estate, that would have vast potential for housing one of the main BSO locations.

“Downpatrick is a centre for public administration, already providing this service. It can also offer great potential for future public service expansion and provision. There are many staff with a huge wealth of administration experience and skill.

“I am very concerned about this proposed development and will be seeking an immediate meeting with the Minister for Health and the Business Services Organisation (BSO) to discuss what action can be taken to correct this very serious oversight.”

MLA Willie Clarke said he will meet with health trust workers to discuss the proposals to relocate their posts from Downpatrick. “I have agreed to meet with staff in the coming week to get a clearer view of how the plans set out in this document will affect them. I have concern with the fact the proposals will see up to 40 staff having to re-locate or be forced to give up their employment given travel commitments.“This would be a huge loss to our local economy here in South Down and one which I will fight alongside the affected staff.’

Councillor Liam Johnston expressed his outrage at the latest proposals. He said: “Several years ago the Council created a policy for the Downe Hospital which would see it becoming a central hub for statutory services including the PSNI who agreed to the provision. But, now it seems SET are reversing their decision. “I would encourage people to feed into the consultation process. Responses to the consultation can be returned up to 29 February, next year, to The Shared Services Project, Belfast BT7 3EN.

In relation to Cllr Johnston's point, a spokesperson for the SET said: "Approximately a dedade ago the Trust as part of the strategy for the Downshire site, engaged with stake holders regarding the use of the site. This led in time to the East Down Institute using the site an in more recent years, the sale of it to the PSNI and Down District Council.

"The Trust along with the partners have a vison of the Downshire site being developed as a community facility providing health and social care services, council and admin facilities.