Just days after a warning that some hospitals in NI may have to close to 'help balance the books', the NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, has this week cut the first sod to mark the beginning of the latest major phase of redevelopment at the Ulster Hospital.

He gave the good news as research commissioned by the Health and Social Care Board warned of a financial crisis looming 'unless tough decisions are made'.

While Michael McGimpsey said he cannot support some of the proposals, suggestions include a charge for patients going to A&E or their GP, but warned that on the basis of the draft budget, some change will be inevitable

"It is clear that very difficult decisions will have to be made regarding our health and social care service over the next few years. It is simply impossible to continue to deliver services the way we currently do with the funding available."

The Minister has warned that 4,000 jobs could be lost in the Health Service because of budget cuts.

To provide an efficient service, officials said they needed £5.4bn by 2015 - instead they are to get £4.6bn - a shortfall of £800m.

This week also saw a row between the DUP Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson and the Ulster Unionist Michael McGimpsey escalate.

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The Finance boss accused Minister McGimpsey of "shroud waving" and "scare tactics" when he should be tackling a culture of waste within the health service.

He alleged there is "plenty of fat" to be trimmed from it without affecting standards, and rejected claims that 4,000 frontline health jobs could be lost.

"(McGimpsey) shouldn't find any difficulty squeezing between 6% and 8% out of a budget like that," Mr Wilson said and claimed he was often approached by members of the public pointing out waste in the system

Major Development

Meanwhile, a substantial building sector boost was kicked-off as Minister Michael McGimpsey, cut the ceremonial 'first sod' to mark the beginning of the latest major phase of redevelopment at the Ulster Hospital.

This latest phase, which is expected to cost in the region of £190m, will provide new ward accommodation, Accident & Emergency department, imaging department, mortuary, coronary care unit, pharmacy, a new entrance block and essential support functions.

Speaking during the ceremony just outside Belfast, the Minister said: "This significant investment will bring the Ulster Hospital into the 21st century with a modern state of the art complex providing the very best medical care to all patients.

"Unfortunately in Northern Ireland, there are too many ageing healthcare facilities which are in dire need of refurbishment or replacement.

"However, I only have a fraction of the capital funding I need to do this work which means I have no option but to prioritise where the funding goes," he said.

"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.

"These new facilities will provide a modern environment for patients and staff alike of which we will rightly be very proud."

He also noted that a number of capital projects have just been completed at the Ulster Hospital at a cost of almost £106m

Enabling works will commence on site this month and construction of the ward block will follow immediately and is expected to complete in Autumn 2016.

(BMcC/GK)