Plans for new health centre in Carrickmore being ‘scoped out’

A NEW health centre for Carrickmore could be on the horizon following confirmation from the Health Minister that a replacement facility is being ‘scoped out’.

Local MLA Declan McAleer welcomed the commitment, saying the current Carrickmore Health Centre is ‘no longer fit for purpose’.

“With around 10,000 patients, five GPs, and a full team of practice and support staff, the surgery is operating well below capacity requirements,” he said.

Mr McAleer noted that Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a visit to the centre in December, where he met with GP partners and witnessed first-hand the space constraints.

“While Minister Nesbitt acknowledged that around £70,000 had been invested in Carrickmore Health Centre last year, he recognised this was only an interim solution to meet immediate pressures,” Mr McAleer said.

Raising the issue in the Assembly this week, Mr McAleer received a detailed response from the Minister.

“Work has also commenced to address the longer-term needs of the practice, and that is potentially in the form of a new build,” Mr Nesbitt said.

“Initial engagement began in October last year between my Department, the Western Trust, and the Carrickmore practice. They have begun to scope the project together. Of course, it will be subject to the usual business case approvals, and timing will depend on that process and capital funding approval.

“I am keen that we move towards a new build for Carrickmore.”

The Minister stressed the inadequacy of the current building.

“They are great people and very dedicated, but they’re working in a building that is long past being fit for purpose,” he said.

“There’s not enough space, rooms are too small – they are just making do.

“You need buildings, equipment, medicines, and workforce. I always prioritise the workforce, but in this case, the building is just not good enough.”

Minister Nesbitt warned that the process was still in its early stages, and it could take three to five years to deliver the new facility.

“Timing will be dependent on a number of factors including site availability, planning permission, tendered costs and affordability within our capital budget,” he explained.

“I’m not in a position to provide a cost estimate at this point. Definitive timings and costs will depend on the design process and confirmation of funding.

“But I would very much like to see a successful and speedy completion of the project.”