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Fears 200 jobs could go in Armagh Fears 200 jobs could go in Armagh
(about 3 hours later)
Up to 200 jobs could be lost in Armagh with the closure of wards at three hospitals.Up to 200 jobs could be lost in Armagh with the closure of wards at three hospitals.
The proposal has been given the go-ahead by the Southern Health Trust. However, the final decision now rests with Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.The proposal has been given the go-ahead by the Southern Health Trust. However, the final decision now rests with Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.
Carol Corvan, Armagh council's director of corporate services, described the news as a "devastating blow".Carol Corvan, Armagh council's director of corporate services, described the news as a "devastating blow".
"A lot of the staff are part-time people, so it wouldn't be realistic for them to take jobs in other areas.""A lot of the staff are part-time people, so it wouldn't be realistic for them to take jobs in other areas."
Ms Corvan continued: "So they'll take the voluntary redundancy packages being offered and the trust can therefore say that there have been no statutory redundancies."Ms Corvan continued: "So they'll take the voluntary redundancy packages being offered and the trust can therefore say that there have been no statutory redundancies."
The proposals will effect St Lukes and Longstone hospitals but the biggest changes are proposed at Mullinure.
In a statement the trust said: "In terms of non-acute hospital beds for older people, the trust proposals are to provide these beds at Lurgan and South Tyrone Hospitals with the cessation of this service at Mullinure Hospital.
"Mullinure should be retained as a centre for specialist services for older people.
"The trust has given serious consideration to an alternative option proposed by Mullinure Support Group and Armagh City and District Council in relation to Mullinure.
"These discussions have concluded that the alternative suggestion would not address a serious concern regarding the difficulty of sustaining medical cover into the future."
SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley said he is disappointed by the decision:
"The Trust says that job losses will be managed through voluntary redundancies and that anyone who wants to remain working for the Trust will be accommodated.
"But voluntary redundancy means job losses and that means less employment in the service in the future.
"Health care is a labour-intensive service and to my mind when there are less people delivering the service it is difficult to see how that service can be improved."