Bringing care closer to communities is key priority

Bringing care closer to communities is key priority for the health sector – Health Minister Edwin Poots has said.
The Minister was speaking after a meeting with members of Carrickfergus Borough Council and local representatives. The Minister said: “Transforming Your Care is aimed at delivering care closer to people’s homes and reducing reliance on hospitals except where absolutely necessary thus supporting an increasing number of people to live independently.

“Much of the existing health and care infrastructure will form part of the new model of care, together with upgrades and investment in other existing sites to bring them up to the required standard and to include capacity to deliver the appropriate service model.”

The Minister continued: “The Health and Social Care Board, in conjunction with their Local Commissioning Groups and Trusts, is undertaking detailed analysis to determine the most appropriate location for the various hubs. The proposed locations include Carrickfergus and work is underway to develop a robust needs analysis which will form the basis of a business case for the project.

“I am encouraged by the work undertaken by the Council to address the health needs of their population and will look positively on any proposals for collaborative working which will enhance the service to the local population.”