Concern over MS Centre consultation

Independent councillor Paudie McShane said the Council received a letter from the Northern Health Trust and he said the language used was similar to comments made about Rathmoyle in Ballycastle and changes eventually came there.

Cllr McShane said he believes closure of the MS Centre is in the minds of health chiefs.

He didn’t think the Council has been consulted properly and he believes the MS Centre is heading for a “watery grave”.

Ulster Unionist councillor Helen Harding also expressed her concerns and Cllr McShane said the Council should write to the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey and say his last letter to the Council on the MS Centre situation was “a load of rubbish”.

SDLP councillor Catherine McCambridge said it is possible the consultation has not started yet.

Independent councillor Seamus Blaney said he believes it is a “waste of time” sending a letter to Minister McGimpsey because there were changes in the past to the X-ray facility at Dalriada and at Rathmoyle “and they will do the same”.

The Council agreed to write again to the Minister and Sinn Fein councillor Cathal Newcombe claimed any consultation would mean nothing and added: “We are being told what to do, they are not asking us”.

Cllr Cara McShane (Sinn Fein) said a letter should also be sent to the Patient Client Council.