BY MARK MCKELVEY
m.mckelvey@ulsterherald.com
THE cross-party delegation of Omagh district councillors that met with the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey on Tuesday were told in no uncertain terms that they must accept the new £190 million hospital in Omagh or risk losing this investment.
The Minister was abundantly clear that the Developing Better Services debate will not be reopened, stating, "That argument has long passed – the acute hospital is in Enniskillen and that will not change. It is time to move forward, and for the council and all the people of Omagh to grasp this opportunity with both hands."
Responding to a question by SDLP Cllr Pat McDonnell, the Minister confirmed he has the money ready to spend, but only when the project has the full support of the local council and community.
Following the meeting in Stormont, the Minister said the new hospital was a fantastic development for the local area and should be "welcomed by everyone".
Council Chairman, Cllr Martin McColgan, described this engagement as "useful and constructive" and welcomed the Minister's clear reassurance that the £190 million to be invested in the new hospital in Omagh is available, as well as his confirmation that the hospital can be completed by 2013.
He said, "During the meeting Minister McGimpsey also provided clarification on several matters raised by the Council delegation and invited Council representatives to join the liaison arrangements with Western Health and Social Care Trust to enable the project to move forward."
A special council meeting is now being called to consider the outcome of Tuesday's meeting, allowing the delegation to report back to their fellow councillors and to prepare a formal response to the Minister on the way forward.
The Minister revealed that the £190 million local enhanced hospital in Omagh will meet 70 - 80% of all the local community's health and social care needs. It will also have a major mental health facility, a health and care centre, a 24/7 Urgent Care and Treatment Centre and will be the only local hospital in Northern Ireland to carry out renal dialysis.
However, he warned there is no point building it unless the local people want it.
Mr McGimpsey said, "This is probably the largest investment ever in Omagh, and will support hundreds of jobs in the local area, not just in the health service but also in the construction industry. It will provide a massive boost for the local economy.
"However, there is no point in building the hospital if local people do not want it, particularly when I have so many other competing demands and such a limited capital budget.
"I want the council to help us plan and deliver the new hospital. They have been elected by the local community to speak on their behalf."
