Building work is about to begin on the site of the new £270million hospital. The new hospital will be completed by 2012.
Speaking at the site at Wolf Lough, near Enniskillen, where he unveiled a new site sign the Minister said: “This is an exciting time for the people of the South West as the new state of the art hospital begins to take shape. When completed, the new hospital will provide a wide range of acute services including a 24/7 Accident and Emergency department; critical care services; inpatient medicine and consultant-led maternity services.
“As well as providing modern health services for the people of this area, this project will also bring economic benefits. Over the construction period there will be 850 jobs, of which 180 will be new jobs.”
The Minister also visited the Erne Hospital where he heard about plans for a new Medical and Surgical Assessment Unit and new Renal Facilities. Michael McGimpsey said: “While we all wait for the new acute hospital to be completed in 2012, the day to day work at the Erne Hospital will continue. These new facilities will guarantee the highest standards of patient care and safety.”
Western Health and Social Care Trust Chief Executive, Elaine Way welcomed the Minister's visit and stated: "Today marks an important milestone for the Western Trust. As well as the construction of this fantastic new facility, we are also committed to providing modern acute services for the people of the South West.
"We welcome the opportunity to share plans for the additional services that we are now putting in place in advance of the New Acute Hospital opening in 2012, as part of the Western Trust's transition programme. This programme will see the new Medical and Surgical Assessment Unit (MSAU) and Renal Dialysis station launched in July of this year."
Notes to Editors:
- The Western Trust’s new South West Acute hospital will provide approximately 300 inpatient beds and will deliver a wide range of services including acute medicine, accident and emergency services, day and elective surgery, paediatrics and older people care services, critical care, imaging and diagnostics and consultant-led maternity services.
- Financial close took place on 20 May 2009.
- Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0579, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned. Alternatively contact Anita McConnell, Western Trust 07841 469476.
