The award-winning design of a new Co Armagh medical centre has been praised.

The accolade for 'Best Future Design Concept' at the Rewarding Excellence in Healthcare Design Awards went to the new Portadown Health and Care Centre, which has just been opened by Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.

Welcoming the event, Ulster Unionist member of the Assembly Health Committee, Alderman Sam Gardiner, said the unveiling was good news.

"I am delighted to join the Health Minister in welcoming the new £16.5million centre, which will open for business on Monday 29 March.

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"This will offer a range of additions to the services available at the existing health centre, including x-ray, orthopaedics, dental and rehabilitation services," the Upper Bann UUP MLA, who was present at the cutting of the first sod, said.

"This is certainly a valuable resource for the people of Portadown and surrounding areas, and as a local representative I know all too well that any enhancement to health care provision will be warmly welcomed," he said.

"This excellent example of how our modern health and social care service is delivering for the people of Northern Ireland, and how it is offering co-ordinated care to meet the needs of the local community.

"This is a practical example of a one-stop-shop approach to primary healthcare and is to be applauded. I look forward to seeing services up and running at their new location, and offer my best wishes to staff and service users."

(BmcC/GK)