“The excellent campaign run by UNISON members, other health workers and the general public in the Bangor area is paying off.
“The reckless proposal on the closure of the minor injuries unit in Bangor Hospital has been withdrawn by the minister.
“He now needs to take similar decision in respect of Whiteabbey and Armagh units to remove the clinical risk to the health of the public created by these recommendations from the Health & Social Care Board.
“However, the campaign is not over for Bangor.
“The decision to continue with the closure of the 20-bed GP ward is equally reckless. The majority of these beds are a step-down facility from the Ulster Hospital
“If the minister is serious about his intention to relieve the pressure on hospital A&E eepartments,then the retention of the crucial step-down beds in Bangor and elsewhere must be his next decision.
“Meanwhile ,UNISON members across Northern Ireland will continue are campaign to save the NHS and this includes the preparations currently underway for industrial action across the service.”
