New £650,000 Strabane Ambulance Station opens - A boost for local emergency care

THE Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) is celebrating a major milestone this week with the official opening of its brand-new, purpose-built ambulance station in Strabane - a modern facility designed to enhance patient care and support ambulance staff across the Western Division.

Built at an estimated cost of £650,000, the new station stands proudly on the site of the old Derry Road premises, where generations of ambulance staff have served the community.

The new building marks a significant upgrade from the small bungalow that once formed part of the former Strabane Hospital site, bringing modern design, comfort, and technology to the heart of local emergency response.

Constructed by McAvoy Group of Lisburn, the two-storey station features a kitchen, rest room, computer suite, locker room, and storage area on the lower floor. Upstairs, there are two offices and a spacious meeting room - the first of its kind in the Western Division, accommodating up to 14 people for operational meetings, training sessions, and staff development. The garage area has also been enhanced with a sluice and additional storage, and the site includes facilities for electric vehicle charging to support the NIAS’s sustainable future.

Jason Rosborough, area manager for the NIAS Western Division, welcomed guests to the opening event at the station last Thursday and paid tribute to all involved in bringing the project to life including Rodney Clarke, estates manager at NIAS; Tomas McNicholl from the McAvoy Group, Declan Mullen, station supervisor, Seamus Mullen, director of planning and performance, NIAS, Darren Armstrong, current station officer as well as special guest, former station officer, Sammy Nicholl, for their input and commitment to the service over the years and whose dedication helped shape the new facility.

He emphasised the importance of staff welfare and community service.

“This new station represents real progress. It’s about maintaining a vital public service and ensuring our staff have the best environment to do their work. When we look after our staff, they can provide even better care for patients - and that’s what it’s all about.”

The modern station currently houses two ambulances providing 24/7 cover, supported by 16 staff, including an Intermediate Care Vehicle crew operating weekdays from 8am to 4pm.

Maxine Paterson, interim chief executive of NIAS, officially opened the station, cutting the ribbon to mark the occasion.

“While the previous station was small and homely, it simply couldn’t offer the conditions our staff need and deserve in today’s service,” she said. “This new facility is a fantastic achievement, it’s a boost for our staff, our service, and, most importantly, for our patients. It’s a proud day for Strabane and for the entire community we serve.”

Commenting on the new development, Neil Sinclair, interim director of operations at NIAS, added: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service continues with its transformation agenda to ensure that we deliver the best service to patients at their time of need. In line with the modernisation of the delivery of our service, it is important that we maintain, and where possible, improve our estates. Our frontline staff are right to expect high quality facilities and this new station offers a modern, safe environment from where staff can respond to calls in the local area and can also rest and recharge in comfort.”

Tomas McNicholl, senior operations manager at McAvoy, also spoke about the new station and their input.

“We’re delighted to have once again partnered with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, delivering a high-quality facility for the Strabane Ambulance Station. Through close collaboration from the outset, we ensured the design fully met the operational needs of the station, and we’re proud to have created a sustainable, future-ready facility that will support their vital work for years to come.”

With its modern amenities, improved welfare spaces, and investment in sustainability, the new Strabane Ambulance Station stands as a symbol of progress - reaffirming NIAS’s commitment to providing high-quality emergency care for the people of the North West.