MINISTER THANKS HEALTHCARE STAFF FOR THEIR EFFORTS
Minister thanks healthcare staff for their efforts
Their skill prevented death toll from being much higher - McFall
MANAGEMENT and staff of the Sperrin Lakeland Trust have been thanked by Minister of State, John McFall, for their efforts in helping the wounded and dying following the Omagh bomb.
In a letter to the Chairman of the Trust, GP's, and all other staff in the Health Service, the Minister expressed his appreciation and admiration. "What happened in Omagh on August 15th was a horror with no regard for human life. I know that staff in the Health and Personal Social Services, like the NHS in general, are dedicated to serving the community, applying their skills to maintaining health and well-being.
"Having been in Omagh several times since that Saturday and having spoken to many of those involved, patients, relatives and staff, it is clear to me that the response of the HPSS in the immediate aftermath of the explosion was beyond description in ensuring that as many as possible of the injured and the dying were tended and directed as quickly as possible to where the appropriate medical treatment could be applied."
In his letter, the Minister acknowledged the work of the emergency services, the community at large and the many volunteers from elsewhere. However, the staff at the Trust were given a special mention.
"The work of your staff in those early hours ensured that many of those injured in the explosion had the maximum chance of survival in the Tyrone County and the other hospitals which were involved on Saturday night. The pressures on your staff were all the more intense as the injured came from your own community and included, in many cases, friends and relatives of staff on duty."
Acknowledging that the injured may face a long period of recovery, he said that the Trust would have a major role to play in rehabilitating many of the victims and bringing them back into the community.
He said it had saddened him that, so soon after his appointment as the Minister responsible for Health and Personal Social Services, that he found himself involved with the consequences of the horror of the Omagh bomb.
"Since the bombing, I have met and talked to survivors, relatives, and Staff in Enniskillen, Derry, Omagh, Dungannon, and Belfast. The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Secretary of State have also met and talked to staff tending to the sick and injured. I have been struck and moved by the dedication and commitment shown by every member of staff dealing with the consequences of the bombing. It is clear to me that, but the sheer skill and professionalism displayed, particularly in the immediate aftermath on Saturday night, the death toll might have been higher."
Concluding, the letter read; "In the days ahead I aim to go round and get to know more of you within the HPSS. At this point, however, in the immediate aftermath of Saturday 15th want to put on record my appreciation for all your efforts to date and for what I Know will be your continuing dedication to care for those affected by the bombing."
Their skill prevented death toll from being much higher - McFall
MANAGEMENT and staff of the Sperrin Lakeland Trust have been thanked by Minister of State, John McFall, for their efforts in helping the wounded and dying following the Omagh bomb.
In a letter to the Chairman of the Trust, GP's, and all other staff in the Health Service, the Minister expressed his appreciation and admiration. "What happened in Omagh on August 15th was a horror with no regard for human life. I know that staff in the Health and Personal Social Services, like the NHS in general, are dedicated to serving the community, applying their skills to maintaining health and well-being.
"Having been in Omagh several times since that Saturday and having spoken to many of those involved, patients, relatives and staff, it is clear to me that the response of the HPSS in the immediate aftermath of the explosion was beyond description in ensuring that as many as possible of the injured and the dying were tended and directed as quickly as possible to where the appropriate medical treatment could be applied."
In his letter, the Minister acknowledged the work of the emergency services, the community at large and the many volunteers from elsewhere. However, the staff at the Trust were given a special mention.
"The work of your staff in those early hours ensured that many of those injured in the explosion had the maximum chance of survival in the Tyrone County and the other hospitals which were involved on Saturday night. The pressures on your staff were all the more intense as the injured came from your own community and included, in many cases, friends and relatives of staff on duty."
Acknowledging that the injured may face a long period of recovery, he said that the Trust would have a major role to play in rehabilitating many of the victims and bringing them back into the community.
He said it had saddened him that, so soon after his appointment as the Minister responsible for Health and Personal Social Services, that he found himself involved with the consequences of the horror of the Omagh bomb.
"Since the bombing, I have met and talked to survivors, relatives, and Staff in Enniskillen, Derry, Omagh, Dungannon, and Belfast. The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Secretary of State have also met and talked to staff tending to the sick and injured. I have been struck and moved by the dedication and commitment shown by every member of staff dealing with the consequences of the bombing. It is clear to me that, but the sheer skill and professionalism displayed, particularly in the immediate aftermath on Saturday night, the death toll might have been higher."
Concluding, the letter read; "In the days ahead I aim to go round and get to know more of you within the HPSS. At this point, however, in the immediate aftermath of Saturday 15th want to put on record my appreciation for all your efforts to date and for what I Know will be your continuing dedication to care for those affected by the bombing."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0287
Published Date: 03-Sep-98
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