9th July 1999

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Health Closures linked to UUP Stalling

Statement from Sinn Fein Assembly member for Mid-Ulster and party spokesperson on Health Francie Molloy calling for a review of the `temporary'' closure of the surgery and casualty departments at the South Tyrone hospital.

Mr Molloy said:

``In January the South Tyrone lost its Maternity services, now this has been followed up by the temporary closure of the surgery and casualty departments. The obvious fear is that these closures will become permanent.

Mr Molloy continued:

``We were promised last year that the final decisions on healthcare here would result from a review carried out by the Assembly. It would be locally elected and accountable politicians making local healthcare decisions.

Mr Molloy concluded:

``People must realise that the closures of these vital services can be directly linked to the failure of the UUP to push forward and set up the executive and allow the transfer power. The position of David Trimble and his party is ensuring that detrimental decisions on healthcare of the people here are being taken by unaccountable politicians at the NIO.''

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