Major construction projects that include a new health and care centre and phase one of a major re-development for Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill Hospitals are among planned infrastructure developments within the Southern Health Trust.

Substantial fresh building work and employment for sub contractors will flow from the Health Minister's statement this week that he said completes his announcements on capital funding in the district.

This covers plans to invest around £63 million over the next three years to improve overall health and social care services and facilities in the Southern Trust area.

This funding is part of a total planned investment of £315 million over the next 10 years for health and social care in the Southern Trust area.

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New developments and an upgrade of existing services will take place across a range of primary, secondary and community care areas to bring about major improvements in services to the public.

Speaking as he opened the award-winning Bluestone Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital, Michael McGimpsey said: "A world-class health service needs modern and state-of-the-art facilities.

"This new mental health facility will provide 74 inpatient beds, all in en-suite rooms together with 20 day hospital places and accommodation for related mental health services.

"The unit will also provide therapy services from an IT suite, fitness gymnasium and activity rooms.

"This is only part of a major investment in mental health facilities planned over the next decade. These services will make a real and lasting difference to patients and their families in an area of care which has for too long been neglected and under-funded," he said.

Commenting on the planned investment of £315million for capital projects in the Southern Trust over the next 10 years the Minister said: "I will continue to invest funds where improved health and social care services are most needed, both regionally and for the people in the Southern Trust area.

"Key future projects include further investment in Mental Health and Learning Disability as well as Children's Services, a new Health and Care Centre in Banbridge and the first phase of a major re-development for Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill Hospitals are also planned."

(BMcC)