MINISTER ANNOUNCES OMAGH PACKAGE
Minister announces Omagh package
By Rosie Uffindell
HEALTH minister John McFall has announced a funding package to help groups dealing with the aftermath of the Omagh bomb.
The minister announced the �2.3 million deal as he visited the trauma centre set up to help the people of Omagh.
Two million pounds has been earmarked for health and personal social services and �300,000 for education services.
Mr McFall said he was impressed by the plans drawn up by the Sperrin Lakeland Health and Social Services Trust and the Western Health and Social Services Board to assist and support victims, their relatives and staff employed by the trust.
"It is only when one sees these detailed plans that the long-term effects of such events are forcibly driven home," he said.
"Unless this additional funding were made available, it is inevitable that other deserving patients would remain longer on waiting lists and that the delivery of community services would be restricted."
He also praised the Western Education and Library Board's work in setting up crisis management teams and home tutors for the victims of the bomb.
The minister was met at the trauma centre by senior social worker Michael Duffy and David Bolton, director of social work at the trust.
His visit to the trauma centre was part of a series of engagements in the town, which included a visit to Tyrone County Hospital, meeting school principals and social security staff.
Mr McFall also did his bit for the Give A Day to Omagh campaign by calling at shops in the town and buying a Christmas present for his wife.
"I last visited this hospital in the aftermath of that terrible day in August, which no-one in Northern Ireland will forget," he said.
"I wanted to take this opportunity to visit Omagh again in the run-up to Christmas to once more pay tribute to the remarkable courage and sheer professionalism displayed by hospital staff and also to support Omagh's Christmas appeal.
"I am glad to see the town so well supported by well-wishers.
"Christmas, for the people of Omagh, will be a sad time to remember but it is also a time for hope - hope for a new beginning in a Northern Ireland where such atrocities will not happen again."
By Rosie Uffindell
HEALTH minister John McFall has announced a funding package to help groups dealing with the aftermath of the Omagh bomb.
The minister announced the �2.3 million deal as he visited the trauma centre set up to help the people of Omagh.
Two million pounds has been earmarked for health and personal social services and �300,000 for education services.
Mr McFall said he was impressed by the plans drawn up by the Sperrin Lakeland Health and Social Services Trust and the Western Health and Social Services Board to assist and support victims, their relatives and staff employed by the trust.
"It is only when one sees these detailed plans that the long-term effects of such events are forcibly driven home," he said.
"Unless this additional funding were made available, it is inevitable that other deserving patients would remain longer on waiting lists and that the delivery of community services would be restricted."
He also praised the Western Education and Library Board's work in setting up crisis management teams and home tutors for the victims of the bomb.
The minister was met at the trauma centre by senior social worker Michael Duffy and David Bolton, director of social work at the trust.
His visit to the trauma centre was part of a series of engagements in the town, which included a visit to Tyrone County Hospital, meeting school principals and social security staff.
Mr McFall also did his bit for the Give A Day to Omagh campaign by calling at shops in the town and buying a Christmas present for his wife.
"I last visited this hospital in the aftermath of that terrible day in August, which no-one in Northern Ireland will forget," he said.
"I wanted to take this opportunity to visit Omagh again in the run-up to Christmas to once more pay tribute to the remarkable courage and sheer professionalism displayed by hospital staff and also to support Omagh's Christmas appeal.
"I am glad to see the town so well supported by well-wishers.
"Christmas, for the people of Omagh, will be a sad time to remember but it is also a time for hope - hope for a new beginning in a Northern Ireland where such atrocities will not happen again."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0482
Published Date: 22-Dec-98
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