McIntyre: Positive step forward for Addiction Services

SDLP Derg Representative and Council Candidate, Jim McIntyre has welcomed the news that the Health and Social Care Board will, within weeks, develop the appropriate next steps including service delivery for tier 3 and 4 services, including addiction services across the North.

Mr McIntyre said: “We in the SDLP have been in communication with the Health Minister over this very important move forward to modernise and adapt our addiction services across the North.  During the consultation, My Party colleagues made perfectly clear in their submission that a detoxification centre should be sited between Strabane and Derry and that resources to allow it to operate 24 hours a day should be put in place. 

“Options outlined in the consultation that would mean people from the Strabane District in need of specialist services would have to travel almost 60 miles for assistance are not viable. Given recent tragedies in recent years, the people of the Strabane District want a connected, fully resourced and local service. It is important that we do all we can to provide that. 

“In light of this, SDLP Representatives hope to meet with the Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Board to outline the need for site close to Strabane that caters for the North-West, and that the need across the Northwest demands attention. ”