RISK…The Community Store on the Tempo Road, Enniskillen
THE Community Store on the Tempo Road, Enniskillen, is at risk of closure following proposals made by the Western Trust.
The depot provides essential items for home patients, such as beds, specialist mattresses, commodes, and shower chairs.
On Friday, February 14, the Trust launched a consultation on proposals for the Future of Community Equipment and Home Delivery of Disposable Continence Products.
One of the key recommendations is to reduce the number of community stores from three to one, meaning one central store in Derry, supported by two ‘sub stores’ in Enniskillen and Omagh.
The Enniskillen store is currently based at Lackaboy.
Local Sinn Fein MLA Phil Flanagan fears the proposed changes could mean a reduced service for the people of Fermanagh.
“My obvious question is for the Trust to define a sub-store as it raises the distinct possibility of a service which is less than we currently enjoy in Fermanagh.
“At the meeting, it was stated that to proceed with this proposal would require an initial capital investment of £490,000 and an additional revenue costs of £59,500.
“From my observations, following contact with community health professions in Fermanagh, and based on the convenience and reliability of the current store in Lackaboy, I believe that we should fight hard for the modernisation and upgrading of the current store in Fermanagh as part of any new arrangement.
“There is no way that a ‘central’ store in Derry, which is not at all central for people living in Fermanagh, would improve on the local service.”
Mr Flanagan urged both patients and health staff to make their views known.
He said people could do this by emailing him as at phil.flanagan1@gmail.com or by telephoning his office in Enniskillen on 028 66 328214.
The consultation will close at 4pm on the May 9 2014.
Information on the proposals, and on how to respond can be downloaded from the Western Trust’s website www.westerntrust.hscni.net by clicking on ‘Involving You’ and ‘Consultations’.
Responses can be completed and returned via e-mail, fax or post.
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