Menu
23/01/2009
McGimpsey Defends Omagh Acute Hospital Loss
People in the Omagh area will continue to benefit from a wide range of hospital services which will meet their needs well into the future, despite concerns over the removal of acute services from the local hospital.
Northern Ireland Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey (pictured here) said that the decision to no longer admit acutely ill medical patients to the Tyrone County Hospital - by the beginning of March - is being criticised, but insisted that the Western Health Trust will now move to provide the range of services anticipated in the new £190 million enhanced local hospital.
The Minister said: "I realise that the decision by the Western Trust will be seen by some as a blow to the local community.
"I understand their disappointment that this step has had to be taken at this time, however, the Trust has advised me that these services are simply no longer sustainable," he said, noting this was also emphasised to the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer during their recent visits to the Erne and Tyrone County hospitals.
"I have always said that I would continue to maintain acute services at the Tyrone County as long as it was safe to do so, and all the evidence indicates that this is no longer possible," he continued.
"Patient safety must come first and I support the Western HSC Trust's decision to consolidate acute impatient services at the Erne and Altnagelvin hospital sites.
"This will help ensure that hospitals in the West continue to provide the highest quality and safest services possible not just for today but into the future," he insisted, noting that the current '24/7 Urgent Care and Treatment Centre' will continue and from March will be doctor-led, and delivered by highly skilled and experienced nurses.
"The Trust will now start the process of introducing the comprehensive range of new and additional services which have been planned for the new hospital.
"I am confident that these services, in conjunction with primary care, will provide the local community with the vast majority of their healthcare needs," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
Northern Ireland Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey (pictured here) said that the decision to no longer admit acutely ill medical patients to the Tyrone County Hospital - by the beginning of March - is being criticised, but insisted that the Western Health Trust will now move to provide the range of services anticipated in the new £190 million enhanced local hospital.
The Minister said: "I realise that the decision by the Western Trust will be seen by some as a blow to the local community.
"I understand their disappointment that this step has had to be taken at this time, however, the Trust has advised me that these services are simply no longer sustainable," he said, noting this was also emphasised to the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer during their recent visits to the Erne and Tyrone County hospitals.
"I have always said that I would continue to maintain acute services at the Tyrone County as long as it was safe to do so, and all the evidence indicates that this is no longer possible," he continued.
"Patient safety must come first and I support the Western HSC Trust's decision to consolidate acute impatient services at the Erne and Altnagelvin hospital sites.
"This will help ensure that hospitals in the West continue to provide the highest quality and safest services possible not just for today but into the future," he insisted, noting that the current '24/7 Urgent Care and Treatment Centre' will continue and from March will be doctor-led, and delivered by highly skilled and experienced nurses.
"The Trust will now start the process of introducing the comprehensive range of new and additional services which have been planned for the new hospital.
"I am confident that these services, in conjunction with primary care, will provide the local community with the vast majority of their healthcare needs," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 November 2021
New £115million Acute Services Block Opens At Ulster Hospital
The first phase of the new £115million Acute Services Block (ASB) at Ulster Hospital in Dundonald has been officially opened by Health Minister Robin Swann. Following a tour of the new facilities Minister Swann said: "Today marks another major achievement for the hospital and the South Eastern Trust.
New £115million Acute Services Block Opens At Ulster Hospital
The first phase of the new £115million Acute Services Block (ASB) at Ulster Hospital in Dundonald has been officially opened by Health Minister Robin Swann. Following a tour of the new facilities Minister Swann said: "Today marks another major achievement for the hospital and the South Eastern Trust.
19 May 2003
Hospital modernisation needs further development
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Des Browne has today called on the Chairmen of the four Health and Social Services Boards to develop their local plans for the modernisation of hospital services following his announcement on ‘Developing Better Services’ in February.
Hospital modernisation needs further development
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Des Browne has today called on the Chairmen of the four Health and Social Services Boards to develop their local plans for the modernisation of hospital services following his announcement on ‘Developing Better Services’ in February.
02 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils Hospital Reconfiguration Framework
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new framework aimed at reconfiguring hospitals across Northern Ireland to create a more sustainable and efficient network of care. The document, titled 'Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes', outlines the key principles that will guide the reorganisation of hospital services.
Health Minister Unveils Hospital Reconfiguration Framework
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new framework aimed at reconfiguring hospitals across Northern Ireland to create a more sustainable and efficient network of care. The document, titled 'Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes', outlines the key principles that will guide the reorganisation of hospital services.
25 March 2005
Woman plucked from sea off County Down coast
A woman was rescued from the Irish Sea off the County Down coast by the Newcastle lifeboat on Thursday evening. It is understood that the woman, who was treated in the Downe Hospital following her rescue, had fallen into the sea from the promenade in Newcastle.
Woman plucked from sea off County Down coast
A woman was rescued from the Irish Sea off the County Down coast by the Newcastle lifeboat on Thursday evening. It is understood that the woman, who was treated in the Downe Hospital following her rescue, had fallen into the sea from the promenade in Newcastle.
23 February 2017
First Trust To Close 15 Branches In NI
Over 100 jobs are at risk after First Trust Bank confirmed it is to close 15 branches in Northern Ireland. First Trust, which is owned by AIB in Dublin, said the closures had been a "difficult decision". Head of First Trust Bank, Des Moore, said the bank has seen a 40% decline in branch usage since 2010.
First Trust To Close 15 Branches In NI
Over 100 jobs are at risk after First Trust Bank confirmed it is to close 15 branches in Northern Ireland. First Trust, which is owned by AIB in Dublin, said the closures had been a "difficult decision". Head of First Trust Bank, Des Moore, said the bank has seen a 40% decline in branch usage since 2010.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Clear start with a fairly widespread frost developing. Increasing cloud brings occasionally heavy rain overnight, preceded, especially over western hills, briefly by snow. Occasional southeasterly gales, severe near coasts, developing. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
