Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Rosemary Barton, has expressed deep disappointment at the news that children’s dental and ear, nose and throat (ENT) services will be removed from South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon.  She also emphasised the need for other services at South Tyrone Hospital to be protected from further closures.

Rosemary Barton MLA said:

"The recent announcement that children’s dental and ENT services are to be withdrawn from South Tyrone Hospital is extremely disappointing. The Southern Health and Social Care Trust have confirmed that the services will move to Daisy Hill Hospital early next year. I have requested an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive of the Southern Trust as well as representatives from children’s dental and ENT services at South Tyrone Hospital to establish what their plans really are for the future of the hospital.

"Sadly, services have been run down over the past five years at the South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon and I am dismayed that the former Minister of Health did not fully address this serious matter. I know families in the South Tyrone area who depend on these vital services and this move to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry will only exacerbate their situation. During my election campaign I pledged to be the champion for health in Fermanagh and South Tyrone and the continuing reduction in services will not go unaddressed.

"I will be updating all constituents as soon as I meet with the relevant authorities. Anyone who will be affected by this most recent reduction in services should feel free to contact my office to share your views and voice your valuable opinion."