HEALTH SHAKE-UP PUT ON HOLD
Health shake-up is put on hold
By Nigel Gould
A PLANNED health shake-up involving the hospital at the centre of the massive emergency services operation following the Omagh bomb is now on hold.
The Western Health Board says it could be 'several weeks' before staff can consider recommencing its acute services review.
And Tyrone County staff who had feared services would be transferred as a result, are hoping the hospital's future could now be secured.
Up to 200 casualties were taken to the Tyrone County Hospital in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's blast.
Board general manager Tom Frawley said: 'Everyone involved in the review of acute services is very conscious of their responsibility to all the people living in the Western area.
'The terrible experience of last Saturday highlights the need to secure sustainable high quality care for all of our population.
'The horrendous tragedy inflicted on the people of Omagh and visitors to the town on Saturday therefore is very much on our minds.
'In such circumstances, the energies of health and social care staff must be focused on supporting the victims and their families. And Mr Frawley added: 'Our primary objective will be, as it has been since the review commenced, to ensure that the people right across the Board's area continue to receive the best possible acute service that can be sustained over time.' Meanwhile, campaigners trying to save acute services at South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon, are hoping for a reprieve.
By Nigel Gould
A PLANNED health shake-up involving the hospital at the centre of the massive emergency services operation following the Omagh bomb is now on hold.
The Western Health Board says it could be 'several weeks' before staff can consider recommencing its acute services review.
And Tyrone County staff who had feared services would be transferred as a result, are hoping the hospital's future could now be secured.
Up to 200 casualties were taken to the Tyrone County Hospital in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's blast.
Board general manager Tom Frawley said: 'Everyone involved in the review of acute services is very conscious of their responsibility to all the people living in the Western area.
'The terrible experience of last Saturday highlights the need to secure sustainable high quality care for all of our population.
'The horrendous tragedy inflicted on the people of Omagh and visitors to the town on Saturday therefore is very much on our minds.
'In such circumstances, the energies of health and social care staff must be focused on supporting the victims and their families. And Mr Frawley added: 'Our primary objective will be, as it has been since the review commenced, to ensure that the people right across the Board's area continue to receive the best possible acute service that can be sustained over time.' Meanwhile, campaigners trying to save acute services at South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon, are hoping for a reprieve.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0151
Published Date: 21-Aug-98
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