New £3.6million operating theatres for Lagan Valley hospital

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey visited the Lagan Valley Hospital today for the official hand over of two new operating theatres.

The £3.6million theatres offer a gold standard in operating rooms working within a completely sealed unit. The theatres’ powder-coated stainless steel walls incorporate the anti-bacterial qualities of silver to inhibit bacteria in the theatre.

The Minister said “It’s impressive to see today these two brand new operating theatres, which offer a gold standard in operating rooms with the latest state of the art technology providing flexibility, efficiency and functionality. They will deal with the increasing demand for a wide range of elective operations including general surgery, gynaecology and ophthalmology.

“Modernising our hospital system is not about centralisation or the belief that ‘bigger is best’ – it’s about getting the best fit of services designed around the patient. These new operating theatres will carry out over 5,000 operations each year ensuring a continued first class, safe and effective health service for the people in this area.”

Lagan Valley Hospital will be developed as a protective elective centre for the Greater Belfast Area, which will enable planned elective surgery to be conducted without interruption from emergency cases.

Highlighting his commitment to continue to fight for money despite impending budget cuts, the minister continued saying: “The new theatres represent a substantial investment in the future of Lagan Valley Hospital and will help the hospital in realising its potential as a local hospital serving the people of Lisburn. Despite huge financial pressures, these new theatres are a vital facility for the South East region.”

The replacement theatres will be operational in October 2010.

Notes to Editors:

1. The two replacement theatres and five recovery beds at Lagan Valley Hospital were completed at a cost of £3.6 million.

2. The Swedish Maquet modular system used in Lagan Valley Theatres offer a gold standard in operating rooms, creating a complete sealed unit down to the substructure. The powder-coated stainless steel walls incorporate the anti-bacterial qualities of silver to inhibit bacteria in the theatre. This is a future proof concept of a modular system which can keep pace with technological developments and provides functionality, flexibility and efficiency.

3. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned