Plans for a new mental health unit at the Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex are still being revised, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has confirmed, and there is no timeline for when the facility might open.

The proposal was first put forward in 2016 by then Health Minister Simon Hamilton, who described it as an important and much-needed facility.

Minister Nesbitt said the business case is being revised to reflect changes in mental health staffing arrangements and other strategic needs, including an analysis of population health demands. Department of Health officials are in contact with the Western Health and Social Care Trust about the revised document.

A trust spokesperson said discussions with the Strategic Planning and Performance Group led to an agreement to refresh the business case so that it mirrors current service pressures, expected demographic trends, and health needs. The revised outline business case will be submitted to the Department of Health for consideration, with no set date for opening, as any progress depends on approval and funding availability.

Nesbitt also noted that his ability to commit funding to capital projects, including the Omagh unit, hinges on the Department of Health’s capital allocation following the UK Spending Review and the Northern Ireland budget process. The draft budget outcome will inform a ten-year capital investment plan.