Fate of Gransha Park staff yet to be decided

Health Minister Simon Hamilton said responses to a ‘Health and Social Care reform and transformation - Getting the structures right’ consultation document, which was published late last year are still being analysed by Departmental officials.

Outgoing DUP MLA Gary Middleton, raising concerns on behalf of his own constituents, has asked the Minister about the fate of local workers at the Gransha site.

He wanted to know when a decision would be made on whether the Gransha Park House employees would have to be relocated.

“My Department is currently analysing the responses to the public consultation on reform of Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care system which closed on February 12, 2016. No decisions have yet been taken about the location of jobs in the future structure,” said Mr Hamilton.

“My Department will take account of the views of all relevant stakeholders and will be working closely with all HSC colleagues, including those in the HSCB, Trusts and Public Health Agency, in the coming months to define the best health and social care structures for Northern Ireland.

“I realise that during this period of significant change staff will be concerned. It is not my Department’s intention to cause unnecessary upheaval for staff impacted,” he added.

The HSCB will cease to exist in its current form from next year.

Around 90 HSCB jobs are currently based in Gransha Park House with staff carrying out both local and regional roles from the Londonderry site.