TROUBLES TRAUMA CENTRE TO CLOSE DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS
Troubles trauma centre to close due to lack of funds
Seanin Graham
Health Corespondent
A THERAPY centre set up following the Omagh bombing that has treated 600 patients affected by the Troubles is to close due to funding shortages.
The Omagh-based facility, which is funded through the Office of First and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM). has been unable to recruit enough specialist staff because not enough long-term money is available.
Known as the Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation, the unit has been operating for nine years and delivers specialist therapies to people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Patients affected have included those who have been bereaved as well as others who have been injured in shootings or bombings.
While many people refer themselves, the centre's internationally recognised work has also led to a significant number of referrals from GPs and community mental health teams.
A spokesman for the unit said the decision to close had been made with "heavy heart" but that its future was "impossible" due to scaling down of funding over the past four years.
This (decision] has been taken with very great reluctance after several years of uncertain, short term funding which has made it very difficult to recruit, develop and retain the highly skilled and experienced staff the centre needs to deliver our therapy and training programmes," he said.
Demand for the service remains high, while a waiting list is also in place for accredited training courses.
"We wanted to be able to continue to provide services for members of the public who have suffered difficulties as a result of the conflict In Northern Ireland," the spokesman said.
"Even though there is a continual demand for our therapy and training programmes, without secure longer term funding and the ability to recruit and hold on to highly skilled staff, we are unable to continue."
A spokesman for OFMDFM was unable to provide a comment when asked by The Irish News why it was unable to guarantee longer-term funding.
The centre has also supported trauma workers in other countries, including the New York Fire and Police departments following the September 11 attacks.
Therapists in Sarajevo and Sri Lanka have also availed of the Omagh service, while a major two-year programme has taken place in Nepal.
Centre staff are investigating the costs of mental-health needs associated with psychological trauma and the specific impact of the Troubles. The findings are due for publication later this year.
Seanin Graham
Health Corespondent
A THERAPY centre set up following the Omagh bombing that has treated 600 patients affected by the Troubles is to close due to funding shortages.
The Omagh-based facility, which is funded through the Office of First and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM). has been unable to recruit enough specialist staff because not enough long-term money is available.
Known as the Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation, the unit has been operating for nine years and delivers specialist therapies to people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Patients affected have included those who have been bereaved as well as others who have been injured in shootings or bombings.
While many people refer themselves, the centre's internationally recognised work has also led to a significant number of referrals from GPs and community mental health teams.
A spokesman for the unit said the decision to close had been made with "heavy heart" but that its future was "impossible" due to scaling down of funding over the past four years.
This (decision] has been taken with very great reluctance after several years of uncertain, short term funding which has made it very difficult to recruit, develop and retain the highly skilled and experienced staff the centre needs to deliver our therapy and training programmes," he said.
Demand for the service remains high, while a waiting list is also in place for accredited training courses.
"We wanted to be able to continue to provide services for members of the public who have suffered difficulties as a result of the conflict In Northern Ireland," the spokesman said.
"Even though there is a continual demand for our therapy and training programmes, without secure longer term funding and the ability to recruit and hold on to highly skilled staff, we are unable to continue."
A spokesman for OFMDFM was unable to provide a comment when asked by The Irish News why it was unable to guarantee longer-term funding.
The centre has also supported trauma workers in other countries, including the New York Fire and Police departments following the September 11 attacks.
Therapists in Sarajevo and Sri Lanka have also availed of the Omagh service, while a major two-year programme has taken place in Nepal.
Centre staff are investigating the costs of mental-health needs associated with psychological trauma and the specific impact of the Troubles. The findings are due for publication later this year.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/1056
Published Date: 14-Oct-11
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