A protest is to take place this weeked in response to the Department of Health’s decision to shelve plans for a new mental health unit in Omagh.
There was anger locally after the Department’s decision this month to prioritise funding for new mental health units in the Northern and South Eastern trusts over the proposed Western Trust facility.
A local mental health support group has organised the weekend protest to call on Health minister Robin Swann to progress the new unit at the Omagh Hospital.
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Together With Solace will be leading the demonstration, and group founder Andy Campbell said it was vital for the local area to have the unit.
“Our demonstration will be peaceful and dignified to highlight how much we need better mental health services and the New Mental Health Unit to be built as promised at Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex,” Andy said.
“We are by no way saying that we should be given priority over anyone else, everyone no matter who you are is entitled to the best care and service.
“Mental Health Lives Matter, if we have a broken arm or leg then we get it looked at and fixed. The same must go for those whose minds are also broken and in need of care.
“We need feet on the street and we need those who make the decisions to listen to the people who are most affected by their decisions.
“As we handed out our leaflets, it still amazes us how many people don't realise that our new Mental Health Unit has been shelved and not going to be a reality.”
The demonstration will take place starting from the Mountjoy Road at 1pm on Saturday, September 3 and will march towards the courthouse in the Co Tyrone town.
The chair and vice chair of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have asked the Western Trust to 'act decisively' in pressing the Department to progress the unit.
“We are asking the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) to show urgency and act decisively in pressing the case for the mental health unit in Omagh with the Department of Health,” council chair Barry McElduff said.
“We also want to ask that the business case for the establishment of the mental health unit be refreshed and resubmitted as a matter of urgency.
“The Council has a positive working relationship with the Trust (WHSCT) through the Health and Social Care Services Sub Committee and we feel now is an important time to use that partnership to jointly seek the establishment of the new mental health unit in Omagh for the benefit of all our residents.
“Mental Health is a critical issue that can impact on anyone at any age. The Council is committed to ensuring that our people are healthy and well - physically, mentally and emotionally.
“To secure a mental health unit in Omagh, which would comprise both admissions and the addictions unit, would ensure that our residents have access to vital services.”
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