Health Minister Robin Swann has visited mental health and addictions units at Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital in Omagh to meet staff and see the recent capital improvements to the Hospital.

Minister Swann said: “As with my visits to other similar units across Northern Ireland, in recent times, I am continually struck by the amazing dedication and professionalism of the staff working in both addictions and mental health services. Particularly during the especially challenging times presented by the ongoing pandemic their resilience has been outstanding.”

Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital provides inpatient acute mental health care, psychiatric intensive care and addictions inpatient care. The hospital also provides a six-bedded crisis house, which has been transformed to provide hospital in-patient services to meet the increasing need associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The facilities, some of which date back to the 1930s require investment, with the long term plan for a new 6,700m2 new-build facility to be located adjacent to the Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex. The new centre will replace existing outdated facilities and provide modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation in the Southern Sector of the Trust.

Minister Swann reiterated that: “I consider a new mental health unit in Omagh to be a very important and deserving priority for my Department. That is why last September I resubmitted a bid for funding to commence the new unit as part of a four-year capital budget information-gathering exercise. Without additional resources and a multi-year budget settlement, my Department is unable to commence any significant new investments that will continue beyond this financial year.

“I remain determined to keep pressing for the necessary funding for this important project but in the interim, I can confirm my Department will provide a further £400,000 to invest in Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital to improve patient safety and experience. The investment will have a direct impact on patients and will improve outcomes and bringing the total invested in AMH facilities in Omagh over the last two years to almost £1.5million.”

Commenting on the Minister’s visit, Western Health and Social Care Trust Director of Adult Mental Health & Disability Services, Karen O’Brien, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Minister to Omagh today to visit our Complex Detoxification Unit in the Asha Centre and our Elm, Lime and Integrated Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICU).

“On behalf of the Western Trust, I would like to thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to come and view, first hand, our extensive acute mental health facilities in Omagh and to acknowledge the work and commitment of our staff towards the provision of mental health and social care services across the Western Trust.

“I would also like to thank the Minister for his continued support and for his clear and continuing commitment towards those in need of mental health care, which is demonstrated through his support of proposals for a new mental health unit in Omagh.”