New Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex opens today

by Gráinne Connolly

The United Kingdom's newest hospital; The Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex is opening its doors to patients for the first time today. 

This signals a new chapter in the history of healthcare for thousands of patients in Omagh and surrounding areas.

The new £105 million hospital is located on the Donaghanie Road in Omagh. 

It's been designed with the needs of patients and clients in mind, with state of the art surroundings. 

The new facilities will provide clinical care and treatment to patients and clients in a modern, well designed environment; using the latest technology and equipment. 

29 patients will be moved from the former Tyrone County Hospital for the first time today and it will close its doors for the last time at 12.30pm. 

The Tyrone County Hospital has served the local and surrounding areas for the past 118 years. 

The four GP practices currently based at Omagh Health Centre will also transfer to the new hospital on Monday 26 June, with all primary, secondary and community healthcare services located within the one building. Western Trust Director of Acute Hospital Geraldine McKay said: 

"The opening of this new hospital and primary care complex is a very exciting time for staff, patients and the wider community. The complex is now officially open and we are committed to providing high quality care in this tremendous new facility. 

"I would like to thank everyone involved in this project and those who have worked tirelessly to make this happen ensuring a seamless transition from the Tyrone County Hospital to their new surroundings."

Professor Ronan O’Hare, Consultant Anaesthetist and Assistant Director of the South West Acute Hospital and Omagh Hospitals said:

“I am incredibly proud of what our staff have achieved during today’s move, which marks a new and exciting chapter in the history of health services in the West.

"We will always recognise the immense contribution the Tyrone County Hospital has made to the community over the years and we are mindful of this. Excitement though has taken over as staff look forward to providing services in our new hospital.”