Health Minister Robin Swann is being urged to meet with a local lobby group to find out first hand why breast screening services at Craigavon Hospital should be retained.
A consultation on the service’s removal from Craigavon was carried out ahead of a return to devolution, with a decision pending.
However, Upper Bann DUP MP Carla Lockhart has written to Mr Swann urging him to retain vital breast screening services at the Hospital.
Ms Lockhart at that time pressed for the retention of this vital service and worked alongside local lobby group Knitted Knockers who campaigned tirelessly to try and save this provision.
Said Ms Lockhart: “The breast screening service at Craigavon Area Hospital saves lives. That is the stark reality of the importance of this service and why it must be retained by the Health Minister, Robin Swann.
“It is within his gift to save this highly performing service.
“I have written to the Minister asking him to meet with the fantastic lobby group, Knitted Knockers, and myself to hear first hand the importance of this service and how this proposal to close the unit will have a detrimental impact to patient care.
“There are many powerful testimonies of the life saving work of this unit and anyone who hears them cannot but be challenged as to the need to retain this service.
“This is a campaign that has drawn support from the whole community and all parties in Upper Bann. I urge the Minister to meet us and to reverse this proposal and help save local lives.”
