Patient care in Co Fermanagh has just taken a major step forward with news that an important phase has been completed on the site of new Enniskillen hospital.

Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey visited the site of the new acute hospital in Enniskillen, to see the 'topping-out' of the main hospital.

The main hospital building has reached roof level and the roofing stage of the programme is well underway.

The project is some 14 months into a three-year construction programme with completion planned for Spring 2012.

Welcoming the project's progress the Minister said: "It is impressive to see the great strides being made in constructing this new hospital. It represents a significant investment in health care for the South West region.

"The new hospital will offer a wide range of invaluable services including 24/7 A&E, inpatient services including medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, day case surgery and day procedures.

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"It will also offer a comprehensive range of diagnostics, including radiology and laboratory tests and a wide range of outpatient services," he said.

"This new state of the art health care facility for the people of Enniskillen and the surrounding areas represents a significant investment by my Department. Despite forced budget cuts and huge financial pressures, this new hospital remains on course for completion and will be a vital facility for the South West region."

With some 550 construction workers currently on site, the Minister acknowledged the efforts of all those working on the project and welcomed the employment opportunities the investment has created.

"It is clear from the progress since my last visit in December that everyone involved in the project has been working extremely hard within the challenging timescales.

"Given the current economic climate it is also encouraging to see the level of employment being created in the area through this significant investment."

Keith Abel, General Manager for Northern Ireland Healthcare Group said: "We are delighted to welcome the Minister back to the new hospital site to commemorate the important milestone of topping out the building.

"Progress remains very much on schedule with the external structures well advanced and windows now being installed followed by the external cladding."

(BMcC/GK)