Gormley vows to keep fighting for health centre

Councillor Margaret Gormley has vowed to keep fighting for the provision of a Primary Care Centre in Tubbercurry.

Cllr. Gormley says that the facility is needed now more than ever with the removal of services in other areas of South Sligo.

“The provision of a Primary Care Centre in Tubbercurry is something I have been working on for sometime.

“I have had numerous motions before the council.”

She added: “Resulting from my continued representations the HSE has committed to the provision of a Primary Care Centre for Tubbercurry. 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 surrounding areas have these services.

“Now more than ever with the removal of services from Curry and Aclare, Sligo County Council has worked with the HSE on the matter by coming to an agreement on the disposal of land for the provision of a Primary Care Centre. The site is available all we want now is the funding.”

Cllr. Gormley continued: “At the official opening of the Primary Care Centre in Ballymote I spoke with John Hayes Chief Officer, Community Healthcare and impressed upon him that Tubbercurry must now be a priority with the HSE.”

In a letter dated July 16 th, 2018, John Hayes, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare, told Cllr. Gormley: “I can confirm that the Stage 1 report (preliminary design) has been submitted to National Estates for approval and the funding for Stage 2 design is currently being considered within the overall Capital Plan for 2018.

“The local Estates Depart- ment is awaiting approval to proceed with Stage 2 of the project. However, if approved, it is intended to proceed with Stage 2 design in 2018.”

She added: “I want to pay tribute to the staff in the present facility (which was opened twenty five years ago) they are very dedicated and catering for the needs of people as best they can but with increased numbers needing health care modern facilities are needed.”

Cllr. Gormley says a 2016 letter from Mr. Hayes listed the following services that will be available in the new facility: Public Health Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, General Practitioner, Podiatry, Speech and Language Therapy, Psychology.

“I have also requested that there be an ambulance based provided. This is something that is needed in the South Sligo Area.”