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Patsy McGlone
17th September 2009
MCGLONE: CLOSURE OF A&E WILL PUT
LIVES AT RISK
SDLP Mid-Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has said
reports ofthe proposed closure of accident and emergency services at the
Mid-Ulster hospital in Magherafelt will be a major blow to people in the
area and has called on the Department of Health to clarify its position on
the matter.
He said: ““As a public representative and at a personal level I deeply
appreciate the accident and emergency service at the Mid-Ulster hospital in
Magherafelt. It provides an invaluable service to the people of Mid-Ulster
from 9am until 11pm seven days a weekand closure of this unit will put lives
at risk.
“Just two weeks ago we sought and received assurances from Northern Trust
senior health officials that there would be no reduction in accident and
emergency services at the Mid-Ulster hospital. However, there appears to be
duplicity on behalf of the Trust as reports suggest closure is imminent.
This is totally unacceptable.
“The people of Mid-Ulster deserve immediate clarification about the future
of their hospital. I have sent a priority written question to the Health
Minister this morning to get confirmation about the Department of Health’s
position on this matter.”
ENDS
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