The business case for the unit has been approved by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. In addition, the new unit will have ante-natal and post-natal services and will include three home-from-home birthing rooms.
Speaking during a visit to the site of the new £60m hospital, the Minister said: “This new Community Midwifery-Led Unit will play a key role in providing a full range of maternity services, which will offer mothers a greater choice about the type of care they receive.
“It will provide dedicated staff with a truly modern facility in which to carry out their crucial work.
“The midwifery-led home-from-home birthing rooms will enhance the options available to pregnant women, allowing them to give birth in a safe environment. It also demonstrates my commitment to providing responsive, accessible and high quality health and social care services across Northern Ireland.”
Commenting on the work carried out so far at the new Downe hospital, the Minister added: “People in Downpatrick, and indeed throughout the South Eastern Trust area, are set to benefit from the new, modern, state of the art facilities which will be provided in the new hospital.
“The hospital is just one of the many projects being taken forward as part of my Department’s infrastructure development programme.
“I want to ensure that people in this area have access to safe, high quality services. The new Downe Hospital goes a considerable way towards meeting these objectives.”
Notes to editors
1. Community Midwifery-Led Units are small maternity units providing care before, during and after childbirth for women assessed to be at low risk of having a complicated pregnancy or labour.
2. In June 2002, the DHSSPS published proposals on the future shape of hospital services in Northern Ireland which included the recommendation of the establishment of two stand alone midwifery-led units on a pilot basis.
3. In response to these proposals, the Eastern Health and Social Services Board identified its wishes to commission one Community Midwifery Unit in its area, with the then Down Lisburn Trust identified as the preferred provider.
4. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
