Protesters calling for the retention of maternity services in Downpatrick havelodged a petition at the Stormont headquarters of the department of health.
Over 2,500 people have signed the petition against the closure of the town'sDowne Maternity Hospital, which was handed over by Women's Coalition South Downrepresentative Ms Trudy Miller and local midwife Ms Brenda Kelly.
Ms Miller said the number of signatures showed how concerned the localcommunity was about the closure, which is scheduled for August 5th.
"Public support for the petition against the closure has been huge, and Iurge the Minister for Health Angela Smith to listen to the views of local people
who will have to live with the consequences of the decision," she said."It runs totally against the government's commitment to improve maternityprovision in Northern Ireland."
Ms Miller said mothers in the Downpatrick area were very concerned about thecare that would be available to them if the hospital closes.
"The distance to alternative maternity facilities in Belfast, Lisburn orNewry is significant, particularly in an emergency," she said.
"I want to thank the public for their support and local businesses which havehelped collect signatures for the campaign against the closure.
"I hope that the minister will take on board the level of concern andopposition in the local community."
PA