HOSPITAL REVIEW AFTER BOMBING
Hospital review after bombing
By Seamus McKinney
HEALTH chiefs are to review hospital services in Omagh in the wake of last Saturday's bombing tragedy in the Co Tyrone town.
Staff at the Tyrone and County hospital in Omagh faced the full brunt of last Saturday's bomb as hundreds of casualties were ferried from the disaster site.
In the days immediately after the blast, concerns were expressed that cutbacks in the health budget could have hindered the Omagh hospital's ability to deal with the tragedy.
But in a statement issued yesterday, general manager of the Western Health and Social Services' Board, Tom Frawley, said acute hospital services would be reviewed in the wake of Saturday's bomb.
"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 acute care for all of our population," Mr Frawley said.
Stressing that the tragedy was on health officials' minds, the general manager said the energies of health and social care staff would be focussed on supporting victims and their families.
"It is therefore likely to be several weeks before all those involved in the review can consider recommencing the review of acute services," he said.
By Seamus McKinney
HEALTH chiefs are to review hospital services in Omagh in the wake of last Saturday's bombing tragedy in the Co Tyrone town.
Staff at the Tyrone and County hospital in Omagh faced the full brunt of last Saturday's bomb as hundreds of casualties were ferried from the disaster site.
In the days immediately after the blast, concerns were expressed that cutbacks in the health budget could have hindered the Omagh hospital's ability to deal with the tragedy.
But in a statement issued yesterday, general manager of the Western Health and Social Services' Board, Tom Frawley, said acute hospital services would be reviewed in the wake of Saturday's bomb.
"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 acute care for all of our population," Mr Frawley said.
Stressing that the tragedy was on health officials' minds, the general manager said the energies of health and social care staff would be focussed on supporting victims and their families.
"It is therefore likely to be several weeks before all those involved in the review can consider recommencing the review of acute services," he said.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0153
Published Date: 21-Aug-98
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