The Critical Care Unit will incorporate an Accident and Emergency Department, Theatres Unit; 40 Critical Care beds; and a 10-bed Burns Unit with Theatre and Day facilities.
This is the third major project in the RVH redevelopment programme, following the main Hospital Block and the Imaging Centre completed in 2006 and 2007.
The minister said: “I am delighted to perform this sod cutting ceremony and to see construction of the new Critical Care Unit get under way. The new facilities will benefit from the latest innovations in design and technology and provide regional emergency, trauma and burns services to some of the most severely injured people in Northern Ireland.
“Securing safe, high quality, state of the art health facilities is a top priority for me and my department. Our staff deserve to be working in modern facilities so that they can deliver the best services for the public. Patients also deserve to be treated in welcoming and well-maintained buildings to help in their recovery. This investment demonstrates how we are modernising our infrastructure so it is fit for the 21st Century.”
The minister concluded: “I expect to see work progressing as quickly as possible on the new Critical Care Unit to meet the planned completion date of May 2012.”
Notes to Editors:
- The new Critical Care Unit is the 3rd major project (Phase 2b) in the Royal Victoria Hospital redevelopment programme. Phase 1, the main Royal Victoria Hospital was completed in 2006, and Phase 2a, the Imaging Centre was completed in 2007.
- The new Unit will provide a regional emergency, trauma and burn services for Northern Ireland. Facilities will include an A&E Department, Theatres Unit, 40-bed Critical Care Unit, and 10-bed Burns Unit.
- The design of the building has been future-proofed to allow for the future addition of a helicopter landing facility, subject to approval.
- Press enquiries to Fionnuala Campbell at DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571 or 07980 707193. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
