LISNASKEA could finally get the new health centre it’s been waiting on for more than a decade.
The Maple Health Group Practice in Lisnaskea had already been operating in a building with numerous issues, including a faulty roof, even before it had to absorb hundreds more patients following the closure of the Roslea GP surgery.
A new building has been in the pipeline for more than a decade, and has been held up most recently by the collapse of the Stormont Assembly. However, on Monday local MLA Sean Lynch and MP Michelle Gildernew met with the Permanent Secretary for Health to talk about the project’s progress, and were assured it did not need Assembly
approval and could begin soon.
“The current provision is not fit for purpose, particularly with the increase patient intake due to GP practices closing in other local areas,” said Mr Lynch, who was full of paise for the staff.
“The staff and primary health care team are coping with lots of difficulties on the current premises including issues around lack of parking and phones.
“These conditions cause difficulties with working conditions which have a knock-on effect of deterring young doctors and nurses from taking up positions.”
Mr Lynch said he and Ms Gildernew had stressed to the Permanent Secretary the need for the new centre, who in turn gave his commitment that when a suitable site is identified, he would progress it “as
quickly as possible.”
“The new health centre would not only create better conditions for health care workers, but better health facilities for the needs for the people of south and east Fermanagh,” said Mr Lynch. “Myself and my
party colleagues will continue to liaise with the Permanent Secretary for Health and local stakeholders to ensure that this important facility is delivered.”
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