SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe
Byrne, speaking after attending a health trust briefing, said today that the
interests of patients must be foremost in decisions made regarding the merger
of wards at Omagh Hospital.
He said:
“I believe strongly that the
debate surrounding the trust proposal to merge the palliative care ward with
the rehabilitation ward within the Tyrone County Hospital Omagh is a terrible
mistake.
“Patients in rehabilitation
should not be cared for in the same ward as terminally ill patients and vice
versa. It is too disturbing for patients and their relatives.
“Nursing and medical staff
need separate facilities in order to cater and care for their patients with
very different needs.
“I do now welcome the news
today that Western Trust Management are delaying any final decision on this matter
until the end of December, pending consultation and getting specific funding
for the palliative care service within Tyrone County Hospital.
“It is a pity that the Trust
made a premature announcement on the matter last week as it has caused anger
and deep pain to staff, patients and their relatives.
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