Constructive meeting with Lurgan GP Practices over facilities - Poots

Health Minister Edwin Poots today met with local GPs to discuss innovative plans for the Lurgan area.
~ Thursday, 26 January 2012

The Minister heard from local doctors about a proposed development scheme for a new Health and Care Centre (HCC) in Lurgan, which is being developed by a third party developer.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Poots said: “I have listened to a number of concerns raised by GPs today in relation to a proposed move to new premises.

"Whilst the HSC Board will be considering any requests for increased funding very carefully, I am looking at alternative means of funding as a way of supplementing my budget to enable me to progress much needed capital infrastructure projects across Northern Ireland.

“As I have previously stated, it is a key aim of my Department to provide a full range of health and social care services outside the acute sector, in the community closer to where people live or work.

“I am keen to develop integrated services in the community in line with the vision set out in Transforming Your Care. Patients should have access to services near their homes without having to attend hospital except where absolutely necessary.

“I will continue to work closely with the practices in the Lurgan area to seek a way forward, in addressing the community’s Health and Social Care needs.”

The Minister praised the staff he met during his visit, saying: “In speaking with the doctors and other staff at these Practices, I have been extremely impressed by their foresight and vision for the future development of services and better management of patients. It is obvious that these are very busy Centres and their staff provide a highly effective service for the communities they serve.”

Also during his time in Lurgan the Minister paid a visit to the Care in Crisis facilities.

Care in Crisis offer confidential help and support to individuals, couples and families experiencing a range of problems and difficulties. The Minister said:” Care in Crisis offers a very broad range of counselling services through its volunteer counsellors who make themselves available for clients on a weekly basis.

“Counsellors have a wide range of work and life experience who understand how stresses and difficulties can affect relationships and well-being.

“Counsellors are trained to recognised professional standards and they all take part in continuing personal and professional development and receive regular supervision for which I commend them.”

Notes to editors:

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