McClure praises local healthcare workers

At a time when criticism of the medical profession and the Government’s health provision plans are common place, the local public representative says there is much to commend the local service.

“I have been a patient in both the Causeway and Mid-Ulster hospitals in recent times and found the level of care I received at Coleraine and Magherafelt to have been excellent,” he said.

“We continually read and hear negative comments about the service but I have experienced at first hand the professionalism, care and compassion of staff at both hospitals and have been highly impressed and most grateful.”

Alderman McClure went on: “We all should realise that medical staff at all levels are working under immense pressure and that in many instances the future of certain departments and indeed complete facilities themselves, are seemingly continually under threat as cutbacks in funding are implemented and rationalisation plans are formulated.

“These must be difficult circumstances for staff to work under with their futures under continual scrutiny.

“I therefore think it is imperative that the vast majority of us who have positive experiences of the NHS locally should not only let staff be aware that we appreciate and value their efforts but the wider community too.

“With local services under threat in the latest review, it falls on all of us to highlight the importance role both hospitals play in community life.”