The Whiteoaks addiction centre.
A commitment from Health Minister Edwin Poots to engage in discussion on funding the Whiteoaks addiction treatment centre on the Inishowen side of the Derry-Donegal border has been welcomed Foyle Sinn Fein MLA Maeve McLaughlin.
Ms McLaughlin, the chairperson of the Health Committee at Stormont, was speaking after raising the issue in the Assembly.
She said: “I raised the issue of funding the Whiteoaks addiction treatment and rehabilitation centre in Muff with health minister Edwin Poots in the Assembly.
“Given the ongoing debate on the need for a detox facility in the north west, it is unacceptable that there is a purpose-built facility so close to Derry which is not operational at present.
“This is a result of the fact that, while there is an agreement in place with the health authorities in the 26 counties, no such agreement is in place with the health authorities in the North.
“I welcome the minister’s commitment that he is happy to engage in discussions with Whiteoaks and I would call on him to begin those discussions immediately.”
Ms McLaughlin concluded: “Substance misuse is a serious problem in the north west and we must ensure that every avenue is explored to deliver the best possible service for those in need.”
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