Dundonald’s Ulster Hospital is to benefit from a £190 million investment, announced by the NI Health Minister yesterday.

Minister Michael McGimpsey said the investment at the hospital would provide new ward accommodation, based on 100% single rooms, an Accident & Emergency department, imaging department, mortuary, a coronary care unit, pharmacy, a new entrance block and essential support functions.

Mr McGimpsey said: "I am delighted today to be able to instruct the trust to take the necessary steps to proceed immediately with the planning of a £190million further phase of the redevelopment of this site."

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"The investment will help ensure that the hospital is able to continue delivering modern, safe and high quality acute services to meet the needs of the patients it serves."

"The new ward accommodation comprising 100% single rooms again reaffirms my determination and commitment to tackle the problems of hospital associated infection, and to improve privacy."

The investment is part of a wider phased capital development programme at the Ulster, which has seen recent major redevelopment of clinical services and site infrastructure.

The Minister added: "This project is just one component of a major programme of capital investment in the health and social care infrastructure across Northern Ireland."

John Compton, Chief Executive of the South Eastern Trust, said: "I am extremely pleased with today's announcement. Staff in the trust will be working hard to meet the minister’s timetable and I am confident we can achieve that outcome."

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

The new development is expected to be complete and open by 2013.

(PR)