Health Minister Edwin Poots today cut the first sod at the new £232million capital development at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.

The sod cutting marked the start of the next stage of redevelopment of the Ulster Hospital. In this latest investment, a new generic ward block will be constructed along with a new acute services block.

Mr Poots said "The commencement of construction of the new ward block and acute services block mark the beginning of the next vital phase of redevelopment at the Ulster Hospital. A number of new facilities, such as the Renal Unit and Critical Care Unit, have already been constructed and are operational on the site.

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"A new ward block and acute services block will enhance these facilities further. These modern facilities will be constructed using the latest innovations in design and technology and will be well-equipped to provide secure, safe, high quality services to patients."

The new ward block, which will replace the existing main ward block which was constructed in 1962, will cost an estimated £115million and provide capacity for 288 new beds. It will include:

12 inpatient generic wards, each with 24 single en-suite bedrooms;

Day surgery / endoscopy / angiography; Pharmacy and Support services.

The second phase, the new Acute Services Block, will provide 170 beds and will include:

• Acute assessment unit

• Acute wards (stroke, renal)

• Emergency Department

• Imaging

• New emergency parking

• Staff facilities

The capital cost of the Acute Services Block is estimated to be around £108million.

(CD/MH)