The new local enhanced Downe Hospital will open on Sunday 28 June 2009.
The hospital will have a range of services including a 24-hour consultant-led Accident &Emergency Unit, a day procedure unit, outpatient department, maternity, rehabilitation and diagnostics services.
Speaking during a visit to the new hospital on the New Struell Wells Road the Minister said: “This is a momentous time for the people of this area. The new £64million hospital will be open to the public from 28 June and will provide state of the art medical facilities and services in a modern environment.
“Information about the transfer of services will be publicised in the local media and across a range of public locations such as GP surgeries, dental surgeries, pharmacies and libraries and on bill boards and bus backs over the next few weeks.”
“I know that the old Downe Hospital holds a very special place in the hearts of the local community. The new hospital will offer the same degree of care and sense of community as the old hospital but in a vastly improved patient environment.
“I would like to commend the South Eastern Trust and I congratulate everyone who has been involved with this project. The people in the Down area have every reason to be proud of the new hospital.”
The Trust’s Acting Chief Executive, Seamus McGoran welcomed the Minister to the new hospital. He said: “This is an exciting time for all our staff as we make our final preparations for the opening of this new and exciting facility which will deliver modern acute care for the population of Downpatrick and the surrounding area into the future.”
Notes to Editors:
- The new Accident and Emergency Department will open its doors to patients at 8.01am on Sunday 28 June 2009. Inpatients will be transferred on a phased basis throughout the day. All non inpatient services will transfer to the new hospital between the 22 and 28 June 2009.
- In line with the Developing Better Services policy, work commenced on the new local enhanced Downe Hospital in October 2006. Over the course of the construction project 350 jobs were created – 300 of those jobs were in construction and 50 in design and management.
- Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520575, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
