The new first citizen of Newry Mourne and Down District Council has pledged to make the future of Daisy Hill hospital the focus of her time in office.
Newry City Sinn Fein rep, Valerie Harte takes over at the helm after the local authority held its annual general meeting (AGM) in Downpatrick on Monday, June 5.
Cllr Harte will replace SDLP’s Michael Savage in the council hot seat, while the SDLP's Gareth Sharvin will replace Sinn Fein Cllr Aoife Finnegan as Deputy Chairperson.
Read more: NI council elections 2023: Full list of elected councillors in Newry, Mourne and Down.
Ms Harte, was elected at the recent local election on the first count in May, as one of 20 Sinn Fein councillors to remain the largest party on the council.
Speaking at the Newry, Mourne and Down AGM, Chairperson Harte said: "I am humbled to be entrusted with such a crucial role for the upcoming year...I pledge to work hard for all in the district.
"As a strong advocate for disability...I believe everyone deserves equal opportunities and access to resources and I will work to ensure this is echoed in all aspects of my work.
"Recent announcements have cast a shadow over Daisy Hill hospital in spite of of recent positive developments in terms of investment and the expansion of Daisy Hill, the recruitment and retention crisis threatens services.
"The health and well-being of our citizens has to be foremost in our actions as local representatives, so too must be the well-being of our excellent care workers whose jobs are made increasingly difficult by conditions in the health service and who are rightly worried about their jobs and conditions in the current climate.
"I am committed to working hard with everyone here with statutory bodies and the community to do what we can to protect and promote services at Daisy Hill hospital and Downe hospital.
"Communities across our district rely on our hospitals and we are committed to protecting them."
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