Concern over removal of vital children's services at South Tyrone Hospital

by Gillian McDade

Disappointment has been expressed following the news that vital services are to be removed from South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon.

The hospital will lose children’s dental and ear, nose and throat services.

The services will move to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry next year.

Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Rosemary Barton says other services need to be protected.

She says people depend on them.

"Sadly, services have been run down over the past five years at the South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon and I am dismayed that the former Minister of Health did not fully address this serious matter.

“I know families in the South Tyrone area who depend on these vital services and this move to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry will only exacerbate their situation,” she says.

And she added: “During my election campaign I pledged to be the champion for health in Fermanagh and South Tyrone and the continuing reduction in services will not go unaddressed.

"I will be updating all constituents as soon as I meet with the relevant authorities. Anyone who will be affected by this most recent reduction in services should feel free to contact my office to share your views and voice your valuable opinion,” she adds.