Centre earmarked for 2019
THERE is positive news regarding the development of a modern Primary Care Centre in Tubbercurry with the HSE outlining the project could be completed by 2019.
This will be subject to securing the relevant funding from the various stages involved in the construction process.
The news has been welcomed by local councillor Margaret Gormley, who said a modern Primary Care Centre is crucial to the town.
She added it was an issue people on the street were calling for during the election.
Cllr Gormley said: “The need for a modern Primary Care Centre was highlighted to me at the last local election by people in Tubbercurry and surrounding areas.
“They feel it’s a facility that is badly needed in the community. As it’s the policy of the HSE to bring as many services as possible out into the community it’s important that the people of Tubbercurry and the surrounding areas have these services.
“The present facility is catering as best it can because of the increased numbers using it; it’s unable to cater for all needs,” she added.
Cllr Gormley said she contacted the HSE last summer to request an update on the position. She added: “In June of this year I was informed that approval was received to appoint a Design team.
“Recently I requested an update as to whether they are in place also the timescale for the provision of this facility, and what services are proposed.”
In a letter from John Hayes, HSE Chief Officer, to Cllr Gormley dated October 10th, he outlines that a Design Team is in the process of being appointed for the new Primary Care Centre.
“It is planned to have the building completed by the end of 2019, subject to approval of funding for each stage of the process.
“A full range of Primary Care Services will be available at the Centre, Public Health Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, GP, Speech & Language, Podiatry and Psychology,” he added.
There will also be extra rooms for visiting clinicians. Cllr Gormley said: “I welcome the response, and I hope the funding will be forthcoming to provide this much needed modern Primary Care Centre.” The new centre will be located on the current site of the facility.