Progress on options for Maternity Unit in Belfast

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has today welcomed progress on options for a new women’s hospital in Belfast.

A review of the best clinical use of part of the new £143million Critical Care building in Belfast has now been completed and a business case is due to be submitted to his department.

The announcement follows the approval of the business case today by the board of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. It includes proposals to locate the new
women’s hospital in the new critical care building which is currently under construction.

As well as a plan to locate post natal beds and outpatient services on the top three floors of the critical care building, the proposal includes a new build which will house the remaining maternity services including delivery theatres, birthing rooms, antenatal services and neonatology. This new build will be linked to the main building by a bridge.

The Minister commented: "Due to the severe cuts in my budget, the original plans for the Women’s and Children’s hospitals just could not have happened as quickly as I wanted. I am keen to have this case progressed urgently as it represents a real opportunity to bring forward this much-needed development by about four years and at a considerably lower cost than otherwise possible.

"The business case contains new proposals which will ensure that mothers-to-be have all the services they require in state-of-the art facilities which will be designed to meet all of their needs before, after and during birth."

Concluding the Minister said: "My officials will now examine the business case to ensure it represents good value for money and more importantly, will provide a first-class regional women’s hospital for Northern Ireland. Once it has been approved by my Department, the business case will be submitted to the Department of Finance and Personnel for their approval.

"I also want to assure the public that work will continue to complete the new Critical Care building which is another much needed development."

Notes to editors:

1. Under existing plans, the construction of the Women’s Hospital is expected to begin in 2015/16 with an expected completion date of 2017/18.

2. On 1 June 2010 the Minister announced proposals to bring forward the construction of a new maternity unit for Belfast by up to four years through a review on the best clinical use of part of the new Critical Care building in Belfast.

3. The new Critical Care building on the Royal Victoria site is currently due to be completed by the autumn of 2012.

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