Health Minister visits Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today visited the headquarters of the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT) at Holywood.

The visit follows the Minister’s launch last week of new arrangements for liaison between health and social care bodies and the Armed Forces and veterans in Northern Ireland.

The Police Rehabilitation Centre provides services to help both current and former police officers and Armed Forces personnel who need physiotherapy or psychological therapies.

The Minister said: “Last week I launched new arrangements for liaison between health and social bodies and the armed forces, their families and veterans. During this visit to the Police Rehabilitation Centre I have seen, at first hand, the high quality services available to police officers and armed forces personnel. This is a unique approach to caring for people who experience trauma or injury as a result of their service to the public.

“I am aware that consideration is being given to replicating this approach across the rest of the UK and I would be keen to see facilities such as these being available to all Armed Forces personnel, their families and veterans in Northern Ireland.”

The Minister was welcomed on arrival at the centre by Mr Sheamus Hamill, the Chairman of PRRT and Mr Eddie Gaw, the organisation’s Chief Executive. During his visit he received a detailed presentation on the range of services offered, a number of which augment those available within the Health and Social Care system.

The Minister continued: “I have been very impressed by the facilities and the level of care available here. The commitment of the staff to their work in helping people recover their physical and mental health and wellbeing as well as helping to train and prepare them for new careers or retirement is to be commended.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The protocol announced on 26 August can be found on the DHSSPS website

2. Press enquiries to DHSSPS press office on 028 90522841. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.