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Two high-tech replacement operating theatres in Lagan Valley Hospital have already proved their worth.
Since October, more than 700 patients have had their operations carried out in the new £4.1m theatres, with the NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey noting: "These new theatres will ensure that patients receive first class care and treatment.
"Surgical procedures are provided in a high quality, safe and effective, clinical environment along with modern technological equipment," he said.
"I am very impressed by the quality of this new facility and by the professionalism and enthusiasm of the staff who work in it.
"The people working in our hospitals aim to provide the very best services they can, and my aim is ensure they can do so in the best, most modern facilities available."
Officially opening the new resource he said that the state of the art theatres include a Swedish Maquet modular system that offers a 'gold standard' in operating rooms, creating a complete sealed unit.
The theatres' powder-coated stainless steel walls incorporate the anti-bacterial qualities of silver to inhibit bacteria in the theatre.
The system provides functionality, flexibility and efficiency and can keep pace with future technological developments.
The Minister said that Lagan Valley Hospital will be developed as a protective elective centre for the greater Belfast area, which will enable planned elective surgery to be conducted without interruption from emergency cases.
The new operating theatres will play a vital role in this: "The new theatres represent a substantial investment in the future of Lagan Valley Hospital and will help the hospital in realising its potential as a local hospital serving the people of Lisburn.
"These new theatres are a vital facility for the South East region.
"During my time as Minister for Health, I have funded a number of new capital developments in our hospitals, from large projects like the critical care complex at the Ulster Hospital to smaller but no less vital ones like the theatres in Lagan Valley," he concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
