CONSTRUCTION work at the new Lisnaskea Health Centre is to commence by the summer. 

According to Minister of Health, Robin Swann, design work for the long-awaited project has been completed, and construction works have been tendered. 

At this stage, the returned tenders are "currently being evaluated", with construction to begin after. 

Minister Swann said: "Construction work is scheduled to commence on site in Summer 2024, subject to successful procurement outcomes and Full Business Case approval."

However, no indication has been given as to when the £18.5m project will be completed. 

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliot, who requested an update of the plans from the Health Minister, described the response as "very welcome".

"It is good to see progress on the health centre, and to learn that it is at an advanced stage", Mr. Elliot said. "I strongly welcome this, as will the GPs and many patients who will benefit from the centre. 

"Without a doubt, it is sorely needed in the local area, as the health centre serves a wide geographical area, including the likes of Newtownbutler and Rosslea. The old building is in a poor state of repair, and is in dire need of replacing."

Mr. Elliot added: "The project has been fraught with delays, but given that we are now at this advanced stage, the process should now be smooth."

Ministerial approval for the project was granted in late 2021, while planning was approved by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council last year. 

According to Minister Swann, the new health and care centre will provide a central hub in Lisnaskea, while also enabling linkages with rural GP practices. 

This will support a network of 16 GPs, and will provide services to a combined practice list of around 25,000 people.

The new 3,500m2 facility will also bring services together under one roof including GP, Trust Community and Day Care services.

According to the Minister, this will provide improved accessibility and increased provision of services in Lisnaskea such as Podiatry, Speech & Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Mental Health Services and Older People services.

The new facility, which is to be built on the former Lisnaskea High School site. 

In a previous press briefing, Minister Swann said that the health centre, “Will address spatial issues currently experienced by GPs which have been compounded over recent years through retirements of rural standalone GPs in the area, and a subsequent increase in the number of patients attending Lisnaskea for their care and treatment."