24^th January 2005

New Downe Hospital

The Permanent Secretary for Health, Clive Gowdy, visited the site of the new Downe Hospital in Downpatrick following his visit last week to the Down Lisburn Trust Board.

The hoarding which has gone up round the site which carries details of funding and partners in providing the new hospital. It is designed to change as the new building takes shape behind it. The top border shows the silhouette of the Downshire Hospital, while the new hospital is represented as a sunrise behind the belt of trees at the front of the site. As the building goes up, the graphic will change to show progress.

John Compton, Chief Executive, Down Lisburn Trust, said, “We are particularly pleased to see Mr Gowdy in Downpatrick today, underlining the Department’s commitment to the new hospital in Downpatrick. The investment of £42 million brings a considerable boost into the local economy and secures good quality, modern hospital provision for years to come. We are sure he and colleagues from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety will come back to visit as the hospital takes shape. The new hospital is a major feature of the delivery of the Developing Better Services strategy for hospitals across the Province. ”

For more information ring Christina Martin 028 9250 1209 or 07980 620661