Health Minister Edwin Poots has met with local GPs to discuss innovative plans for the Lurgan area.

The Minister heard from local doctors about a proposed development scheme for a new Health and Care Centre (HCC) in Lurgan, which is being developed by a third party developer.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Poots said: "I have listened to a number of concerns raised by GPs today in relation to a proposed move to new premises.

"Whilst the HSC Board will be considering any requests for increased funding very carefully, I am looking at alternative means of funding as a way of supplementing my budget to enable me to progress much needed capital infrastructure projects across Northern Ireland.

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"As I have previously stated, it is a key aim of my Department to provide a full range of health and social care services outside the acute sector, in the community closer to where people live or work.

"I am keen to develop integrated services in the community in line with the vision set out in Transforming Your Care. Patients should have access to services near their homes without having to attend hospital except where absolutely necessary.

"I will continue to work closely with the practices in the Lurgan area to seek a way forward, in addressing the community’s Health and Social Care needs."

The Minister praised the staff he met during his visit, and said: "In speaking with the doctors and other staff at these Practices, I have been extremely impressed by their foresight and vision for the future development of services and better management of patients. It is obvious that these are very busy Centres and their staff provide a highly effective service for the communities they serve."

(CD/GK)