The Armagh public will get one final chance to raise their concerns about the proposed closure of the Minor Injuries Unit in the city.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABCBC) will host a public meeting on Tuesday (7pm) at the Palace Demesne in Armagh.
It will be what many see as a last ditched attempt to prevent the closure of the unit at Tower Hill.
The unit was temporarily closed in November 2014 following the Southern Trust’s plan to save £2.9m by the end of March 2015.
Now there are real and growing fears that the unit will not re-open despite the fact the health coffers will save no more than £50,000.
In a letter from the Health Minister to the council earlier this year, Jim Wells tried to explain the rationale behind the move, indicating that the levels of use were never sufficient for operating an MIU “sufficiently and sustainably” and, despite a publicity campaign, failed to increase.
However, having announced the closure of three MIUs in the Province, the decision to temporarily shut the Bangor operation was later overturned upon Ministerial intervention. It led to demands that a similar action be taken in Armagh.
Last week, health officials issued a final call for responses to plans to close the minor injuries unit in Armagh.
The ‘temporary’ closure will remain in place until a final decision on the future of the service is made following the consultation, which closes on September 11.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Have your say this Tuesday!
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