OVER 650 REFERRED TO TRAUMA CENTRE
Over 650 referred to trauma centre
MORE than 650 individuals have been referred to the Community Recovery and Trauma team in the Bridge Centre, Omagh, since the town's bomb atrocity of August, 1998, it has been revealed.
Speaking at the launch of the CD Rom in Omagh library on the bomb and its aftermath, Mr. Hugh Mills, chief executive of the Sperrin Lakeland Health Trust said that was the number referred to the centre up to February this year.
Within a few days of the tragedy an emergency centre was established in the town's High Street and Trust staff provided an initial service, along with the other agencies. Longer term needs were evident as was the need for a special centre for those suffering from trauma.
Consequently funding was approved for the establishment of the trauma team in the Bridge Centre at Campsie.
Mr. Mills told the gathering that the centre provided a range of services to individuals and families. These include psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, art therapy, bereavement therapy, group therapy, information to families and co-ordination of media enquiries and interviews.
"The centre was a focal point in providing support to the Omagh community and indirectly the Buncrana and Madrid families," said Mr. Mills.
The Trust chief recalled the magnificent role played by hospitals in the area and all heath staff in the aftermath of the bomb, as well as continuing care and support being given.
"Throughout all this time, I have personally admired the professional, sensitive and thoughtful manner in which all have provided their expertise," said Mr. Mills.
He also described the CD Rom as a significant piece of work and commended all those involved in its production.
Mr. Mills went on: "The presence of Terry Waite is a reminder to us all that life is such that we can be visited by the most horrendous circumstances, which will arrive so unexpectedly. For those who have lost loved ones, been injured or traumatised, this is exceptionally so, and we have witnessed their suffering over the past 32 months.
"For our staff who provided health and social services, this experience has been exceptional. Many of our staff live and work within the Omagh community, and knew those who died and were injured, and therefore our work has been very much part of their contribution to the recovery of our own community," Mr. Mills said.
MORE than 650 individuals have been referred to the Community Recovery and Trauma team in the Bridge Centre, Omagh, since the town's bomb atrocity of August, 1998, it has been revealed.
Speaking at the launch of the CD Rom in Omagh library on the bomb and its aftermath, Mr. Hugh Mills, chief executive of the Sperrin Lakeland Health Trust said that was the number referred to the centre up to February this year.
Within a few days of the tragedy an emergency centre was established in the town's High Street and Trust staff provided an initial service, along with the other agencies. Longer term needs were evident as was the need for a special centre for those suffering from trauma.
Consequently funding was approved for the establishment of the trauma team in the Bridge Centre at Campsie.
Mr. Mills told the gathering that the centre provided a range of services to individuals and families. These include psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, art therapy, bereavement therapy, group therapy, information to families and co-ordination of media enquiries and interviews.
"The centre was a focal point in providing support to the Omagh community and indirectly the Buncrana and Madrid families," said Mr. Mills.
The Trust chief recalled the magnificent role played by hospitals in the area and all heath staff in the aftermath of the bomb, as well as continuing care and support being given.
"Throughout all this time, I have personally admired the professional, sensitive and thoughtful manner in which all have provided their expertise," said Mr. Mills.
He also described the CD Rom as a significant piece of work and commended all those involved in its production.
Mr. Mills went on: "The presence of Terry Waite is a reminder to us all that life is such that we can be visited by the most horrendous circumstances, which will arrive so unexpectedly. For those who have lost loved ones, been injured or traumatised, this is exceptionally so, and we have witnessed their suffering over the past 32 months.
"For our staff who provided health and social services, this experience has been exceptional. Many of our staff live and work within the Omagh community, and knew those who died and were injured, and therefore our work has been very much part of their contribution to the recovery of our own community," Mr. Mills said.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0877
Published Date: 03-May-01
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