In Omagh, the Minister unveiled a sign to mark progress on the new hospital complex. Both hospitals represent an investment of over £450 million in hospital services in the area.
The Minister said: “This is a very important day for the people of the South West. Hospital services in the area are being transformed with the provision of a new local hospital in Omagh which is expected to cost up to £190 million and an acute hospital in Enniskillen at a cost of around £267 million.
“Together the two hospitals represent a massive investment in hospital services for the South West. It reflects the commitment my Department has to providing the very best health services for people in this area.
“My vision is that everyone in Northern Ireland will have access to high quality, safe health care. For the people of the South West I believe that the investment we are committing to the two new hospitals will allow them this access. More importantly, the new hospitals will ensure patients have access to modern state-of-the-art health facilities, fit for the 21st century.”
Chairman of the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT), Gerard Guckian, speaking at the event today said: “The Trust is delighted that Health Minister Michael McGimpsey joined us today to celebrate this important occasion which supports our drive towards improving health and well-being for the people living in the West.
“Today is truly significant not just for the community of the South West but also for the Omagh community which the Minister visited earlier today to signal the commitment to the new hospital complex there. These important investments in our infrastructure will help staff deliver high quality services for our population.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Media queries to Clare Baxter, DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571 or 07919 400 248
