Urgent care and treatment centre will not close - McGimpsey

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today assured the population in the southwest that the Urgent Care and Treatment Centre at Tyrone County Hospital would not close.

He said: “The Urgent Care and Treatment Centre provides essential care to those attending the hospital with urgent or emergency health problems. I am absolutely committed to the continuation of this service, and indeed plans for the new enhanced local hospital include the provision of a 24/7 Urgent Care and Treatment Centre.

“I know the Western Trust has experienced difficulties in recruiting and retaining medical staff for the Centre and I want to acknowledge their continuing efforts in sustaining quality services in the face of recruitment difficulties.

“While at the moment the service is very dependent on short term, locum medical cover, I understand the Trust is currently considering how the role of doctors in the Urgent Care and Treatment Centre can be improved.

“I want to assure everyone in the Omagh area that the Urgent Care and Treatment Centre remains open 24 hours a day and will continue to do so. I also want to emphasise that appropriately trained and skilled clinicians will staff the Centre”.

Notes to Editors:

1. Press enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.