Following a meeting with Omagh District Council today, the minister said the new hospital was a fantastic development for the local area and should be welcomed by everyone.
The minister said: “I am planning to build a £190million local enhanced hospital in Omagh which will meet 70 to 80% of all the local community’s health and social care needs. It will also have a major mental health facility, a health and care centre, a 24/7 Urgent Care and Treatment Centre and will be the only local hospital in Northern Ireland to carry out renal dialysis.
“This is probably the largest investment ever in Omagh, and will support hundreds of jobs in the local area, not just in the health service but also in the construction industry. It will provide a massive boost for the local economy.
“However, there is no point in building the hospital if local people do not want it, particularly when I have so many other competing demands and such a limited capital budget.
“Only yesterday I heard countless calls for new women’s and children’s hospitals. I have seen for myself the dreadful state of the existing buildings and the need to replace them. There are other hospitals in a similar poor condition which are in dire need of replacement.”
The minister asked the council delegation to respond to him as soon as possible and confirm their commitment to the new hospital. He also asked them to join a liaison group to work with representatives of the Western Trust to help shape the services which will be provided in the new hospital.
He continued: “I want the council to help us plan and deliver the new hospital. They have been elected by the local community to speak on their behalf.
“The Developing Better Services debate will not be reopened. That argument has long passed – the acute hospital is in Enniskillen and that will not change. It is time to move forward, and for the council and all the people of Omagh to grasp this opportunity with both hands.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Health Minister met with Omagh District Council today in Parliament Buildings, Belfast.
2. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
