Calls have been made to keep the canteen at South Tyrone Hospital open after reports it was due to close.
And a local councillor set to raise the issue directly next week in the chamber of Mid-Ulster District Council.
DUP representative Councillor Clement Cuthbertson said: “I have been made aware of proposals to close the canteen facility at the South Tyrone Hospital.
“The proposal is to replace it with a new ‘Coffee Bar’.
“The current facility provides an important service to staff, patients and visitors on the hospital site.
“For many hardworking healthcare workers on long shifts, and for families supporting loved ones in wards, the canteen is more than just a convenience — it is a vital support.
“Given the value of this service to our local community, I have submitted a motion to the February meeting of Mid Ulster District Council next week calling on the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to reconsider this proposal and to keep the canteen open.”
Staff and visitors at South Tyrone Hospital took to social media as they rushed to back the councillor’s calls.
One said: “I feel as a member of staff that the canteen is a vital assett to the hospital. It should not be ignored that the staff of the canteen do also have families to provide for.
“I use the canteen every day and love meeting and chatting with the staff . In every facility like the hospital it is the heart and soul of it.”
Another staff member commented: “This canteen is a lifesaver for patients, patients’ families and us staff. A coffee bar really is not going to be enough.”
A visitor to the hospital observed: “It’s so sad. The canteen is still an important service. Let’s hope sense prevails. Unfortunately they seem to be putting new floors down on the entrance to the canteen. Was always said if they were doing it up it’s about to close. So we will see.”
And yet another begged: “The canteen is fantastic. It is so valued by staff, patients and their family members who have often travelled a great distance to attend appointments. Please dont take it away from us.”
