Health Minister reaffirms his commitment to build new Omagh Hospital

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has today reaffirmed his continued support for the new Omagh Hospital.

The Minister was speaking after a meeting today with the Omagh joint liaison group regarding the progress on the new Omagh local hospital complex.

Minister McGimpsey said: "I am fully committed to the development of the new Omagh hospital and will continue to press for the essential funding needed to make this a reality. It remains one of my key capital build priorities within the Health service.

“I was pleased to meet with the joint liaison group today and welcome the very important role the joint liaison group have made to this project. Together we are all at one in our steadfast approach to this as we all recognise the significance a new local hospital for the Omagh area will make.

“Over the last six weeks my budget has been reduced by £130million despite demand for services being up by 9%. Due to the increase in demand, we need money to build new hospitals and we need the money to run these new facilities. I will continue to lobby my Executive colleagues to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland by releasing the funding needed."

The new hospital project is proposed to include a new enhanced local hospital for Omagh, a centre for mental health and a new health and care centre.

The Minister continued: "Funding cuts are having a detrimental effect on our societies most vulnerable and I would appeal to the Omagh joint liaison group and everyone with a vested interest in the health and wellbeing of citizens in Northern Ireland to press for ring fencing the health service and save it from cuts."

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