Jim Wells: Healt Minister.
Newly-appointed Health Minister, Jim Wells, has given the go-ahead for a £3.5 million extended recovery and rehabilitation unit for Omagh.
The 18-bed unit, to be located on the Drumnakilly Road, Omagh, will provide support to people who have difficulty sustaining community placements due to severe and enduring mental illness and related difficulties.
The unit will consist of six intensive support and rehabilitation beds and 12 self-contained flats to provide transition for service users who require higher levels of support rather than care as they progress along their road to recovery and independence.
The announcement has been welcomed by West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle.
She said the facility would provide an innovative approach to assist those with complex mental health problems on their path to recovery.
She added: “The service model within the new facility is the first of its kind in the North and aims to help people with mental health problems move forward, set new goals and develop relationships that give their lives meaning.”
Ms Boyle concluded: “This is great news for the people of Omagh, Strabane, Castlederg and the wider West Tyrone area.”
The announcement comes as a campaign to locate a detox centre for people with alcohol and drugs problems in Derry continues.
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