Business case in progress for health centre

During the meeting on Wednesday of last week, the Minister indicated groundwork is being laid to develop a business case for the project.

“Transforming Your Care is aimed at delivering care closer to people’s homes and reducing reliance on hospitals except where absolutely necessary, thus supporting an increasing number of people to live independently,” Mr Poots said.

“Much of the existing health and care infrastructure will form part of the new model of care, together with upgrades and investment in other existing sites to bring them up to the required standard and to include capacity to deliver the appropriate service model.

“The Health and Social Care Board, in conjunction with their Local Commissioning Groups and Trusts, is undertaking analysis to determine the most appropriate location for the various hubs. The proposed locations include Carrickfergus and work is underway to develop a needs analysis which will form the basis of a business case for the project.

“I am encouraged by the work undertaken by Carrick Council to address the health needs of their population and will look positively on any proposals for collaborative working which will enhance the service to the local population.”

Carrick DUP representative David Hilditch added: “We need to keep pressing the case to the right people, such as the Health Minister, so that as soon as the money becomes available, we are ready to go.”