This money will provide a new Trauma and Orthopaedics unit costing £9.4million including two new theatres and a total of 33 beds. An additional investment of £5.8million will provide much needed infrastructure improvements at the hospital.
Investment in the Trauma and Orthopaedics unit is part of a strategy which aims to cut waiting times for fractures and orthopaedic services.
The target is that by March 2008, 75% of patients will be treated within 48 hours, rising to 98% of patients by March 2009. Patients who require orthopaedic surgery will also have to wait no longer than 21 weeks for inpatient or day case treatment.
Also as part of the longer-term strategy a second unit will be provided in Antrim Area Hospital within the next few years.
In announcing the new service the Minister said: “This significant investment in a Trauma and Orthopaedics unit at Craigavon Area Hospital is the first stage in a strategy to dramatically reduce the time people in Northern Ireland have to wait for fractures and orthopaedic treatment.
“It is unacceptable that people are waiting sometimes for days to have fractures treated. I am determined to increase capacity across Northern Ireland to rectify the situation.
“The £9.4million investment I am announcing now will mean a new unit opening at Craigavon later this year. This will be followed by a second unit at Antrim within the next few years.
“I will expect to see improvements in waiting times by March 2008, including fractures being treated within 48 hours and people who require orthopaedic surgery being treated as an inpatient or day case within 21 weeks.”
The Minister also announced a further £5.8million investment for the hospital. He said “This additional resource will also address serious infrastructure needs that will benefit all services at the hospital.”
Notes to Editors:
- In January 2007 the then Minister announced a new Trauma & Orthopaedics Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital by autumn 2007 followed by a second unit at Antrim Area Hospital within the next few years.
- The Southern Health and Social Care Trust submitted a final draft Business Case in June 2007 which has now been approved by DHSSPS and DFP.
- The Business Case approval provides £9.4million to construct and equip the unit. Approval also provides £5.8million for much needed infrastructure at the hospital.
- Media queries to Clare Baxter, DHSSPS Press Office 028 9052 0571. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
