The new £9.4million Trauma and Orthopaedic Unit is part of an overall strategy to dramatically reduce the time people in Northern Ireland have to wait for fracture and orthopaedic treatment.
Launching the unit, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “This new 33 bed unit will be an integral part of a network of fracture services across Northern Ireland. It will provide the people of Craigavon and the surrounding area with a modern, responsive and a locally accessible facility.
“The increased capacity arising out of this investment will go a long way to ensuring that patients do not have to wait longer than they should for their fracture or orthopaedic treatment. I want to see, by the end of this month, 75% of fracture patients being treated within 48 hours, rising to 95% of patients by March 2009. Patients who require orthopaedic surgery should also not have to wait longer than 21 weeks for inpatient or day case treatment.
The Minister added: “I am delighted to see that the first patients have already been treated in this new facility and that local patients are already experiencing the very clear benefits of this state of the art facility. I would like to commend the Southern Trust and the contractors for their commitment in getting this service up and running so quickly.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates my determination to put patients first and to ensure a first class health service is available for all patients across Northern Ireland.”
Colm Donaghy, Chief Executive of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said: “The establishment of a trauma and orthopaedic, or fracture, service on the Craigavon site is a major milestone for people in this area.
“We have a team of five consultants, specialist nursing teams, and a full range of therapy and support staff, who will be able to treat the majority of trauma and orthopaedic patients who have previously had to travel to Belfast for this surgery. This is therefore a huge boost for local health services and for the regional network of fracture services.”
As part of a longer-term strategy to improve access to fracture and orthopaedic services, a second unit will be provided in Antrim Area Hospital in the next few years.
Notes to Editors:
- The new unit includes a total of 33 beds – 13 orthopaedic beds and 20 trauma beds – two dedicated laminar flow theatres units and office accommodation. The unit is part of a £15.2million investment at Craigavon Area Hospital announced by the Minister in October last year. The Trauma and Orthopaedic Unit cost £9.4million, and an additional £5.8million was invested for much needed infrastructure improvements at the Craigavon Area Hospital.
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