Health Minister visits site of new Omagh Hospital

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill today visited the site of the new Omagh Hospital and Primary Complex.

As construction of the new complex continues to progress, the Minister was shown around the site to see the development of this important construction project.

The Minister said: “I am delighted to see first-hand the significant progress that has been made in the development of this valuable new complex. The new hospital will cover a range of key primary, secondary and community healthcare services for local delivery to the people of Omagh and surrounding district.”

The new Hospital will provide for 40 intermediate care beds and will include a range of services such as a 24 station renal dialysis unit, a Health and Care Centre including GP accommodation and an Urgent Care and Treatment Centre. Additionally it will also provide advanced diagnostic services together with three day surgery operating theatres and 22 recovery beds.

Speaking at the visit, the Minister said: “Whilst we have been faced with a challenging economic climate and experienced the pressures this has placed on the provision of health services and infrastructure, it is extremely encouraging to see this important project progressing.

“I remain committed to the improvement and delivery of health and social care services in the north and I look forward to seeing these new premises become operational next year.”

The Minister also visited the South West Acute Hospital, where she viewed the new Macmillan Cancer Information Point. A team of volunteers is on hand to advise people on the range of information available and there is also a facility to speak to the Macmillan Information and Support Manager. This dedicated area holds a large selection of cancer information booklets to provide members of the public and clinical staff with information on a wide range of topics relating to cancer - practical, emotional, psychological and financial.

Welcoming the Macmillan Information Point, Health Minister Michelle O’Neill said:  “I fully support this partnership working with Macmillan to enhance the experience for people living with cancer. I know how important it is to ensure cancer patients have ongoing support and are signposted to appropriate services. Over many years Macmillan has worked with health and social care organisations on a wide range of projects, bringing significant benefits to patients, carers and their families.

“Meeting the challenge posed by cancer is, and will continue to be, one of my highest priorities. We have made great strides in tackling cancer and have seen significant progress in the past decade. I wish to see that progress continue and my Department and I are committed to working in partnership with others to provide the best cancer services for people.”

While at the South West Acute Hospital, the Minister met with staff to discuss her approach for transforming health and social care ‘Delivering Together’. The Minister said: “People are the HSC’s greatest asset and I am grateful to be afforded the opportunity to engage with clinicians and staff at South West Acute Hospital today. Those working at the frontline know the pressures our system faces better than anyone, and I believe they will play a crucial role in shaping this transformation process. The South West Acute Hospital and the skilled and dedicated staff who work there will continue to play a vibrant and vital role in the networks that deliver excellent and greatly valued services to the community now and in the future.”

The Health Minister also attended the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Special Recognition Awards 2016, which celebrate outstanding work and good practice by staff.  Minister O’Neill said: “I am proud of our HSC. In the six months since I took on the role of Health Minister, I have visited many health and social care settings and have been seen at first hand the dedication and commitment of our exceptional HSC staff, who go the extra mile to look after a patients or help colleagues or develop better ways of working. This speaks volumes about the sort of people who work in our HSC at all levels.

“I have set out my vision to transform the current health and social care system.  But ‘Delivering Together’ means exactly what it says; we all have a part to play and I am determined that staff will have the opportunity to give their views, and to help shape, the future of our services. I know you will take up that challenge.” 

Notes to editors: 

1. A new hospital is being constructed in Omagh. The new hospital will provide 40 intermediate care beds and will include a range of services such as a 24 place renal dialysis unit, a Health and Care Centre including GP Accommodation and an Urgent Care and Treatment Centre. 

2. McLaughlin & Harvey Contractors were appointed to build the new hospital.  Construction commenced on site in July 2014 and the new hospital is expected to become operational by late April 2017.    

3. Health Minister Michelle O’Neill launched her vision entitled, ‘Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together’, on 25 October 2016, after considering the Expert Panel’s report, led by Professor Rafael Bengoa, ‘Systems, Not Structures: Changing Health and Social Care’ which clearly sets out the need for change. Further information available at www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/oneill-launches-10-year-vision-health-social-care

4. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.  For out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 0762 397 4383 and your call will be returned. Follow us on twitter @healthdpt.

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