The long-awaited construction of the new Lisnaskea Health and Care Centre in Co Fermanagh is set to begin in the "coming weeks", following final approval from Health Minister Mike Nesbitt.

The centre, expected to open in 2026, will provide essential healthcare services to approximately 30,000 people in the Lisnaskea and surrounding East Fermanagh areas. The estimated capital cost of the project is £32m.

Minister Nesbitt said: “The necessary approvals are now in place for the development of the new health and care centre, which will allow the Western Health and Social Care Trust to move forward with awarding the construction contract."

Acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by primary care services in the region, he emphasized the significance of the new facility. Once completed, it will create a central hub for 16 GPs and offer services such as podiatry, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, mental health support, and care for older people.

Minister Nesbitt condemned recent "unacceptable behaviour" directed at the Lisnaskea practice team. "There is no place for such behaviour," he said, reaffirming his support for frontline healthcare staff who continue to work under significant pressure.

Eimear McCauley, Western Trust Director of Finance, Contracts, and Capital Development, welcomed the project’s progression. “This milestone has been achieved through the collaborative efforts of GP representatives, Trust staff, and the Department of Health," she said. "The new facility will meet the needs of South East Fermanagh for many years to come.”

The new health and care centre will be constructed on the site of the former Lisnaskea High School.

The development has received widespread political backing from local representatives.

Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy praised the project, describing it as a vital step forward for healthcare provision in South Fermanagh. “Since becoming an MLA, making progress on this health centre has been a top priority," Ms. Murphy said.

Ulster Unionist MLA Lord Elliott welcomed news that the proposal was moving forward, he said: “This is hugely welcome news, not only for the 14,000 patients in South East Fermanagh but also for the staff working in the inadequate existing premises.

UUP Councillor Victor Warrington shared Elliott’s sentiments, stating that the health centre’s construction “can’t come a day too soon.” He added that transforming the former high school site into a state-of-the-art health facility would bring much-needed benefits to the Lisnaskea community. “The closure of the high school left a hole in the town," Warrington said. "Thankfully, the land will soon be put to good use for the area.”

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine echoed these sentiments, calling the announcement "welcome, positive news." She noted that the new building has been “a long time coming” and will greatly improve conditions for both patients and staff.

The Lisnaskea Medical Practice CIC, which will be based in the new centre welcomed the development. “The Lisnaskea Medical Practice CIC warmly welcomes the announcement of the impending award of the contractor for the development of the new health and care centre in Lisnaskea. The facilities that will be available in the new building, when it opens, will make a major contribution to securing the sustainable delivery of patient-focused health care into the future," a spokeswoman said.