Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today visited Lisnaskea Health Centre which is due to be replaced by a brand new Health and Care Centre.
The new centre is expected to cost well over £10million and will bring together GP practices as well as a wide range of community, voluntary and private sectors services, including community nursing and some allied health professionals.
A business case for the new centre is currently being assessed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and will then require Department of Finance and Personnel assessment before approval can be given.
The Minister said: “Ensuring the entire population has rapid access to a range of health and social care services is a key priority for my Department. Health and Care Centres will play a key role in delivering on my vision of providing high quality services to people in their communities and in their homes.
“The centres act as a one-stop shop for patients, allowing them to attend clinics, GPs and other services provided by the voluntary and community sectors which help improve the quality of their lives. In rural areas, in particular, health and care centres will play an important part in making sure that everyone has easy access to the health and social care services they depend on.
“I welcome the opportunity today to meet with staff in the existing Lisnaskea Health Centre and assure them of my commitment to driving forward the business case for the new centre and acquiring a site for the new facility.”
Lisnaskea Health and Care Centre has been prioritised by the Western Trust and Board as the number one project in the Primary and Community Care Infrastructure (PCCI) programme that encompasses the development of over 40 Health and Care Centres across Northern Ireland over the life of the programme.
He continued: “Too many of our health and social care facilities are run down or not fit for purpose and need to be rebuilt or have extensive refurbishment. The cost of maintaining these facilities is too high and is a waste of our limited resources.
“I have £3.3billion capital to invest in the infrastructure of our health social care and public safety services over the next 10 years. This massive investment will be spent on new and re-furbished buildings, modern equipment and technology, and will bring real benefits to both staff and the public. A number of major projects are already in progress.
“However, even this enormous sum is not enough to address all the capital developments required. I have ordered an urgent review to determine the investment priorities over the next 10 years so that we can make best use of the available resources and target them where they will have the maximum impact on delivering high quality services. This review will be completed by the end of September.”
Notes to Editors:
Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520636 or 07919 400248. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
