The work of the Hospital Steering Group (pictured) in Fermanagh is far from over.

Although Monday morning had brought a result that had been the focus of their campaign for many months, members met that afternoon and began planning their next phase of work.

Of course, the group reviewed the efforts it had put into the campaign to secure acute services for Enniskillen.

“Our campaign was based on a structured, evidence-based approach, emphasising three key issues accessibility, sustainability and equity,” said Council Chief Executive Rodney Connor. But the issues of finance and location of the new hospital are still to be pursued.

“The steering group will continue to be involved in ensuring that the recommendation and the decision of the Minister will be implemented without delay. We will work together with anybody that we feel we need to ensure that happens without delay.

“That will involve looking at all different possibilities and that includes public private partnerships and also to identify where these facilities are to be located, the Erne site or indeed any other site and how the capital will be secured,” Mr. Connor said.

“We highlighted the need not to be involved in any triumphalist reactions. It is imperative to emphasise that this is a victory for the south west.

“We most certainly do not want to rub salt into the wounds for Omagh. Having said that, we are not apologising the right decision has been made,” he added.

 

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