Campaigners who want to keep services at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry from being cut have met with senior Department of Health (DoH) officials.
As meetings regarding potential service changes took place, people gathered at the department's Stormont headquarters.
The hospital may lose over 100 beds as a result of proposed service changes, it was revealed on Thursday.
The hospital's stroke service was discontinued in May.
Inpatient general medicine care delivery was also revealed to be in danger due to a lack of consultations.
Peter May, the permanent secretary of the Department of Health, met with campaigners from Daisy Hill Emergency Surgery SOS and Daisy Hill Hospital Future Group.
They argued for the continued provision of acute services in Newry.
After the meetings, Mr. May acknowledged that the neighborhood had "deep concerns" about the recent departure of consultants.
He stated, "I assured both groups I met today that the department and the trust share your concerns.
"We are working tirelessly and as a team to stabilize services as soon as possible.
"I think we can find a way to move forward that will protect services and, most importantly, keep the hospital's emergency department safe and supported. ".
Mr. May declared that Daisy Hill Hospital would have a "sustainable future" thanks to the efforts of the department and Southern Health Trust.
A few campaigners were also urged by him to refrain from insulting the hospital's senior management personally.
