The new Enniskillen Ambulance Centre
THE new £4.5m ambulance station in Enniskillen on the site of the old Erne hospital is set to open its doors next month.
The new station will accommodate all current 50 personnel and it will provide garaging facilities for 14 vehicles plus a maintenance bay.
The NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) says that the modern, purpose-built and functionally suitable facility will provide staff welfare facilities, training and office accommodation and a full garage, providing protection from the weather and therefore preventing icing of vehicles and potential delay of response. The station will also provide storage room for equipment and consumables.
When asked by the Herald in January why the current site had been chosen rather than a move to the South West Acute Hospital, a NIAS spokesman said it was as the best possible site to serve Enniskillen and surrounding area.
“The old ambulance station was on the site of the Erne hospital and had served well as a central location over the years. However, the facilities there needed modernisation.
“A move to the South West Acute Hospital would have increased response times to central Enniskillen by up to four minutes and, as response times are key in emergency situations, a decision was made to remain at the old Erne site.”
An NIAS spokesman said this week: “December remains the anticipated opening date without a specific date.
“The garage has parking spaces for 14 vehicles plus a maintenance bay. The new facility will be able to cater for the needs of approximately 50 staff.”
When asked about future plans for the current ambulance station, the spokesman added: “The site belongs to the Council and they will decide what to do with it when we move off.”
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