12/06/2013

Sod Cut At Ulster Hospital Development

The first sod has been cut at the new £232m development at Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.

Health Minister Edwin Poots attended the ceremony today, which marked the start of the next stage of redevelopment of the hospital.

In this latest investment, a new generic ward block will be constructed along with a new acute services block.

Edwin Poots said: "The commencement of construction of the new ward block and acute services block mark the beginning of the next vital phase of redevelopment at the Ulster Hospital. A number of new facilities, such as the Renal Unit and Critical Care Unit, have already been constructed and are operational on the site.

"A new ward block and acute services block will enhance these facilities further. These modern facilities will be constructed using the latest innovations in design and technology and will be well-equipped to provide secure, safe, high quality services to patients."

The new ward block will replace the existing main ward block, which was constructed in 1962.

It will cost an estimated £115m and provide capacity for 288 new beds.

The Minister added: "I must also pay tribute to the nurses, doctors, ancillary workers and administration staff who have worked tirelessly, in sometimes very difficult conditions, to provide the best care possible for the people of this area. I am sure that every member of staff is looking forward to the day when these facilities are complete and ready for use."

(IT/CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

04 April 2017
New Inpatient Ward Block Opens At Ulster Hospital
A new inpatient ward block has opened at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, Co Down. A total of £112 million was invested by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, and the development includes 288 single rooms across 23 wards with en-suite facilities. The new building replaces a ward block built in the 1960s.
26 June 2003
Children's Commissioner for NI announced
A Commissioner for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland has been appointed for the first time today. Nigel Williams, who will take up his post in October, is currently the Chief Executive of Childnet International, which specialises in protecting children from abuse on the Internet.
26 August 2021
Breeze Block Dropped On Police Car From Block Of Flats
Police have issued an appeal for information after a breeze block was thrown from a high-rise flat on to the roof of a patrol car. The "deliberate and reckless attack" occurred at Churchill House in the New Lodge shortly before 9pm on Tuesday 24 August.
03 May 2018
Protesters Block Markets Area Over Proposed Office Block
A number of people have blocked Stewart Street in Belfast's Markets area in protest over a proposal to build a high rise office block on a derelict site next to Central Station. Protesters carried 'Sunshine Not Skyscrapers' carried placards as they blocked the road ahead of a legal challenge over the plans.
04 March 2022
Additional £16m Announced For Housing Executive
An additional £16 million has been announced for the Housing Executive to implement their Tower Block Action Plan and Thermal Insulation programmes.