Health Minister Visits Enniskillen Hospital Development

NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey (pictured) has visited Enniskillen to view the developments underway to improve and modernise health provision throughout the southwest.

During his visit to the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the Minister visited two newly refurbished theatres at Erne Hospital, where he had the opportunity to see at first hand the theatres, associated anaesthetic side rooms, and surgical preparation rooms, representing an investment of £800,000.



Mr McGimpsey also paid a visit to the site of the new £267 million South West Acute Hospital at Wolf Lough, where enabling works have recently been completed.

The Minister said: "Securing high quality, state-of-the-art health facilities for the people across the south west is a top priority for me and my Department.

"The progress that is being made on the new acute hospital site just outside Enniskillen is very encouraging. Enabling works are now complete and we are moving towards a state of readiness for construction of the new acute hospital.



"This is a very exciting time for the people of the south west. The considerable and essential investment in the new acute hospital in Enniskillen and the new enhanced local hospital in Omagh, will provide the whole community with modern healthcare facilities, fit for the 21st century."

Highlighting the newly refurbished theatres at the Erne Hospital, the Minister said: "This £800,000 investment at the Erne Hospital is an important step in meeting interim service needs in the area whilst awaiting construction of the new acute hospital.

"The new theatres will mean the Western Trust will be able to ensure that the highest clinical standards are maintained."

Chair of the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Gerard Guckian, said: "I am delighted that the Minister has taken the time to visit the Western Trust at this exciting time.

"We very much welcome his interest and support in improving hospital services in the west. Site preparations on the new acute hospital have advanced well, with major steps in road infrastructure, electricity and water supplies progressing.



"I am also pleased that the Minister was able to see our newly refurbished theatres at first hand and I would like to join with him in thanking staff throughout the Erne and Tyrone County hospitals for their commitment and dedication during the completion of this project," added Mr McGuckian.

(PR/JM)