Building work has now started after the Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey cut the first sod at a new £4.9m purpose-built Neurology Unit at Musgrave Park Hospital.

Speaking at the event in south Belfast, the Minister commented that this was a much needed project: "This new Neurology Unit will be a facility where patients with a neurological condition can receive care, respite and assessment or rehabilitation.

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"It will have real benefits for both patients and carers," he said.

The new Unit will have 23 beds, providing neuro-palliative care, assessment and rehabilitation as well as respite care.

The MITRE Trust, a charity set up to raise money to improve patient services at Musgrave Park Hospital, is contributing £1m towards the project.

The Minister continued: "The new Unit will lend itself to the provision of the highest quality of care, which will prevent unnecessary deterioration of patients with chronic neurological disorders.

"Together with modern design and equipment, services provided within the unit will improve the emotional and physical well-being of patients," he concluded, noting that construction of the Neurology Unit is due to be completed by Autumn 2011.

(BMcC/GK)