Speaking during a debate calling for funding for the new hospitals, the Minister told Assembly members that he fully recognised the need to improve and modernise maternity services in both Belfast and across Northern Ireland.
He said: “I strongly support the proposed new Women’s and Children’s Hospitals. There is an urgent requirement for modern facilities and additional capacity in the Belfast area and the new hospitals will become a centre of excellence providing the best possible services to mothers, babies and young children in Northern Ireland.
“However, under the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) I have been allocated some £3.3 billion capital to invest in the infrastructure of our health and social care services over the next 10 years. While £3.3 billion is a large sum of money, it is simply not enough as I actually need £7.8 billion to address current capital priorities.”
The Minister explained that the ISNI profile is such that there is a major trough from 2013 to 2016 during which there is virtually no funding to start any major projects.
“He continued: “This has a significant impact on the timing of the new Women’s and Children’s hospitals. We can only plan for a phased implementation starting site enabling works in 2011; construction of the Women’s Hospital in 2015/16 and construction of the Childrens’ to start in 2017/18.
“This timetable is completely unsatisfactory for me, and I know many others. I want to progress this work much more quickly. However, I am faced with many competing demands to replace and refurbish buildings which are no longer fit for purpose across Northern Ireland.
“Today I am seeking the support of my Executive colleagues to improve the ISNI profile to allow me to bring forward this much needed development much sooner. To do this we would need an additional £250 million to allow us to complete both hospitals within the 10 year ISNI period. I hope that members of the Assembly will support me in taking this forward.”
Notes to editors:
1. There has been a 10% increase in the number of births across Northern Ireland between 2004 and 2007 which is continuing to rise.
2. The Minister has asked the Eastern Board to take forward a review of maternity services which will look at existing capacity and the immediate pressures faced by maternity services in Belfast and the surrounding areas.
3. For a copy of the Minister’s speech contact the DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520572.
4. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520636 or 07919 400248. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
