This funding is part of a total planned investment of over £417million in capital over the next 10 years for health and social care in the Trust area.
New developments and an upgrade of existing services will take place across a range of primary, secondary and community care areas to bring about major improvements in services to the public.
Speaking during a visit to the newly built £1.6million Ashgrove Intensive Support Unit at Ards Hospital, which provides support to young people who have been diagnosed with behavioural problems, Michael McGimpsey said: “I will continue to invest funds where improved health and social care services are needed for the people of Northern Ireland.
“This new purpose built, specialist unit is an excellent example of how investment can make a real difference in individuals’ lives. It will improve the quality of life, health and well-being of young people with behavioural problems. They will have access to psychological and psychiatric services in a setting that is acceptable to both them and their families, and this will provide them with the opportunity for healing, growth and development.”
Commenting on the planned 10 year investment for the Trust, the Minister said: “My announcement of £417.4million for the South Eastern Trust over the next ten years is another example of how I am investing in our health and social care services.
“This investment will include £190million to develop services at the Ulster Hospital. The funding will provide new ward accommodation, based on 100% single rooms, an Accident & Emergency department, imaging department, mortuary, a coronary care unit, pharmacy, a new entrance block and central support functions.”
The Minister also outlined his commitment to Lagan Valley Hospital: “Lagan Valley Hospital has a key role to play in providing healthcare services to the Greater Belfast area and beyond. I am committed to the future provision of a range of key services at the hospital. The Trust is developing plans for a multi-million pound investment in the hospital which will provide additional theatre space as well as a new health and care centre on the hospital site.
“Funding will also be provided for new Health and Care Centres in Bangor, Ards and Dunmurry. This is an exciting new development for these three areas and is an important part of my vision for the future of healthcare services here. Health and Care Centres adopt a ‘one stop shop’ person-centred approach to healthcare, which aims to meet the needs of individual families in their local communities.
“This is just one of the many ways in which our health service is changing, by reducing the dependency on hospitals and instead maximising the provision of health and care services in the community. They are locally accessible and will provide integrated services including treatment, care and information, and some diagnostic services currently only provided in acute care.”
The Minister concluded: “I have worked with all the Health Boards and Trusts to identify key priorities for the next 10 years. By continuing to invest in our services we are ensuring that we have a first class health and social care service which continues to put patients first.”
Notes to editors:
1. Over the 10 year period 2008/09-2017/18, the Department has been allocated a total capital envelope of almost £3.3billion, against an identified need of £7.8billion. Just over £700million of this is earmarked for the Comprehensive Spending Review period with the balance of just over £2.5billion allocated in the remaining period of the Investment Strategy.
2. All capital expenditure is subject to the normal business case approval process.
3. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
