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13 January 2009 - Statement from the Health Minister responding to reports of the ambulance depot closure at Knockbracken

Following reports that the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service was planning to close a depot at Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said:

“There are no plans to close the ambulance depot at Knockbracken Healthcare Park. Mr Jimmy Spratt is misinformed and is scaremongering.

“Ambulances serving south and east Belfast are actively deployed from a number of locations, including Purdysburn and Foster Green, to provide the best possible response to emergency calls. This approach is helping to improve emergency response times to people living and working in South Belfast.

“As of today’s date, no questions have been received by my office from Jimmy Spratt regarding the future of the ambulance depot at Knockbracken.

“I am dismayed that rather than speaking to me personally, Mr Spratt has chosen to run to the media with allegations that are entirely bogus. Mr Spratt needs to stop playing politics with the health service.”

Notes to Editors:

  1. For all media queries, please contact Sarah Williams, DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 2841 or 07791 149246. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

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