You're scaremongering!

Referring to a story in our September 22 edition entitled ‘Minister must come clean on future of Causeway Hospital’ , Mr McGimpsey, in a letter, said: “It is disappointing to note that the services provided by the Causeway Hospital are subject to such speculation without facts being checked. Alderman McClure is simply scaremongering and that is not helpful to anyone.

“I will again reiterate that I remain committed to the configuration of hospital services as set out in Developing Better Services which, for the Causeway Hospital, means that it will continue to provide access to a wide range of acute services. “This will include 24/7 A&E, a comprehensive range of inpatient services, day surgery services, outpatient and diagnostics including radiology and laboratory tests and also paediatric services.”

Mr McGimpsey conceded that his Department is facing “huge financial pressures in relation to both capital and revenue budgets but with demand for health services ever increasing”.

“As your readers can appreciate, it is only when the budget position becomes clearer, that I will be able to look closely at my entire health programme, including all services provided across Northern Ireland. Instead of sniping from the sidelines, “Alderman McClure would be better to explain why the DUP has voted to cut the Health Budget on three occasions in the last 18 months.

“I have done and continue to do everything possible to protect and sustain services and staff and to ensure that patients do not suffer.

“I have to live within my budget and that means difficult decisions will need to be made. I will not shirk from these but my key priority at all times will be the delivery of the best possible Health Service for the people of Northern Ireland.”