Trust satisfied with costs of new unit

DUP MLA Jim Wells asked the Minister why the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) is developing a residential scheme at the Hospital that he said would cost approximately 200,000-300,000 more to run each year than if the voluntary sector provided the service.

In response Mr McGimpsey stated:

"The Western Trust advises that it is building a 16 bed challenging behaviour unit on the Gransha Hospital site.

"The difference in running costs cited in the question is possibly a result of comparing a voluntary sector tender, which is several years old, and current revenue costs of the scheme.

"The Trust is satisfied that the projected running costs of the new unit reflect current costs of meeting the assessed healthcare needs of those who will be placed in the unit."