Western Trust director of Acute Services Margaret Kelly said plans are well advanced to build an "enhanced local hospital" in Omagh with the long-term provision of a 24/7 Urgent Care and Treatment Centre (UCTC).

"We believe that speculation may have arisen because we are currently experiencing recruitment challenges in relation to employing suitably qualified staff for the Urgent Care and Treatment Centre," she said. "However, we will continue with our recruitment drive to attract suitable staff."

Also moving to quell fears, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey assured the public that the UCTC at the Tyrone County Hospital would not close.

"The Urgent Care and Treatment Centre provides essential care to those attending the hospital with urgent or emergency health problems," said the minister. "I am absolutely committed to the continuation of this service, and indeed plans for the new enhanced local hospital include the provision of a 24/7 Urgent Care and Treatment Centre.

"I know the Western Trust has experienced difficulties in recruiting and retaining medical staff for the centre and I want to acknowledge their continuing efforts in sustaining quality services in the face of recruitment difficulties.

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"While at the moment the service is very dependent on short-term, locum medical cover, I understand the Trust is currently considering how the role of doctors in the Urgent Care and Treatment Centre can be improved.

"I want to assure everyone in the Omagh area that the Urgent Care and Treatment Centre remains open 24 hours a day and will continue to do so. I also want to emphasise that appropriately trained and skilled clinicians will staff the centre," said the minister.