McKay probes future of MS unit

NORTH Antrim MLA has pressed the Minister of Health and Social Services to clarify the future of the Multiple Sclerosis respite unit at Dalriada Hospital in Ballycastle.

Mr. McKay’s question to Mr. Michael McGimpsey was: “How many of the 12 beds for Multiple Sclerosis respite in Dalriada Hospital will be withdrawn in 2010/11 or 2011/12?”

Mr. McGimpsey replied: “Although none of the 12 beds will be withdrawn within the 2009/10 year the Northern Trust is currently negotiating with the Health and Social Care Board as service commissioners to determine the number of these beds which will be required in the future.”

Mr. McKay has been involved in the issue since becoming aware that MS patients were unsure of future placements at the unit.

However, the husband of one MS sufferer in Ballymoney revealed that his wife had been accepted to the unit for a short period in April.

“We know that there will be beds available up to June, but beyond that no one is making any committment,” he claimed.