VACATED… Belmore House in Darling Street
BELMORE House the centre for mental health services in Fermanagh for over 20 years has finally closed its doors.
It is understood around 30 staff were employed at the Darling Street facility and those staff moved yesterday to the South West Acute Hospital, the new location of mental health services within the county.
Back in July a decision was made by the Western Trust to move the mental health and social care services to the South West Acute hospital, but questions still remain regarding the future of the Belmore House site, which closed on Friday.
A statement at the time indicated that once the Trust had vacated the Belmore property should an alternative use not be identified, it would be declared surplus to Health and Social Care requirements and go through department of health (estates) disposal processes.
If no long-term solution is found for the site it would be a further blow to the Enniskillen High Street, which has suffered this year from a number of high profile business closures.
Local councillor Raymond Farrell explained there were mixed feelings among staff at the move.
“It is all quite nostalgic after 20-odd years and now moving to the South West Acute Hospital.
“I think there are mixed feelings about it, Belmore House was in a central location in town and quite accessible and available for people, people had built up a relationship there and I’m sure will be sad to see it go.
“There was obviously an attachment with Belmore House, a lot of staff had worked long terms. It is change, but everybody hopes it is change for the better.”
Whether or not the move is a success only time will tell, but Cllr Farrell has stressed the importance of improving the transport links between Enniskillen town centre and the hospital.
“It is really important that the transport infrastructure is looked at here. People need to get across to the hospital and need the appropriate services in place.
“I’m not convinced they have it right at the minute.
“Services must be reviewed and transport links must be improved between the town and the new hospital.
“It is a case of watch this space, but I hope it will provide the services that people need and are entitled to.”
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