Money has been pledged for new health facilities to be built in the Co Antrim and mid Ulster areas.

Major developments include new health and care centres that are to be constructed in Larne, Carrickfergus and the Ballymena areas.

The Northern Ireland Health Minister announced his plans yesterday to invest £29 million in capital over the next three years to improve health and social care services and facilities in the Northern Trust area.

This funding is part of a total planned investment of £175million over the next decade for health and social care in the Northern Trust area.

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Speaking as he visited Inver House, a rehabilitation unit for elderly patients in Larne, Michael McGimpsey said: "I will continue to invest funds where improved health and social care services are needed for the people of the Northern Trust area.

"Key projects include new health and care centres for the Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena areas; redevelopments of facilities at Whiteabbey, Mid Ulster and Antrim Hospitals, and a new mental health in-patient facility for the Trust area."

The Minister said: "This announcement of £175 million over the next ten years is another example of how I am investing in our health and social care services.

"I have worked with all the Health Boards and Trusts to identify key priorities for the next 10 years.

"By continuing to invest in our services we are ensuring that we have a first class health and social care service which continues to put patients first," he said.

(BMcC)