The Minister announced that emergency services in the area are to be improved to include:
- Additional ambulance cover in the Omagh and Enniskillen areas;
- 24/7 ambulance service cover in the Castlederg area;
- Roll out of paramedic led thrombolysis which can be life saving for people suffering heart attacks.
The Minister said he was making available significant additional funds over the next three years to support the proposals brought forward by the Western Health and Social Services Board.
Making the announcement during a visit to the Erne Hospital in Enniskillen, Michael McGimpsey said: “I am aware that the greatest concern that people have is how quickly the health services can respond in an emergency. This is particularly important for those living in more rural areas. I have recognised, in particular, the concerns of the people of Fermanagh and West Tyrone, and in April I announced the improvements the Western Board proposed and asked the Board to develop a costed implementation plan. That has now been done.
“I have now approved a further investment of up to £750,000 this year and up to £1.25million in each of the next two years to implement the improvements. That money will provide an additional A&E ambulance in Omagh and the same in Enniskillen. It will also increase current coverage in the Castlederg area to 24/7 and will provide an additional deployment point close to Irvinestown.”
To support the emergency service provided, there are also plans to roll out the provision of paramedic thrombolysis – clot-busting drugs that can be life saving for someone suffering a heart attack.
The Minister also emphasised his ongoing commitment to emergency services in the area: “Of course this is not the only investment in the ambulance service in the south west. In each of the past two years I have made available an additional £0.5million to fund an additional A&E crew, an intermediate care vehicle and two rapid response vehicles and to provide a deployment point at Fintona. I will make this money available for a further year.
”The Minister concluded: “In total I am making an additional investment of over £3million over the next three years, clear evidence of my commitment to providing a world class health service for people no matter where they live, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety. This significant investment highlights my determination to continue to put patients first.”
Notes to Editors:
- Press enquiries to Jenny Magill at the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575 or 07833 668 748. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
