DESIGN PROGRESS

First draft copies of the complete stage 1 medical plans for the new hospital were received from the Design Team on 11^th February. These plans, which were developed in consultation with hospital staff, will be reviewed by the Trust and Health Estates by 18^th February. Any adjustments required will then be made by the design team so that stage 1 can be completed by the end of the month.

SITE HOARDING

The site hoarding was completed last month and gates have now been erected at the Struell Wells Road entrance to the site.

The sign board referred to in last month’s update is shown in the appendix. A second copy of the sign board will be erected at the eastern end of the hoarding on the Ardglass Road. In addition, a standard ‘V-shaped’ sign board describing the new service model will be installed so as to be visible from the Ardglass Road.

SITE CLEARANCE & DEMOLITION

Tenders were received on 7^th February from the shortlisted demolition contractors. A tender evaluation meeting will be held on 16^th February. The successful contractor will be appointed following this meeting and the demolition contract will commence as planned on 28^th February.

AMBULANCE STATION

Good progress is being made on the preparatory work to allow the re-location of the Downpatrick Ambulance Station from the maternity hospital site to the Mountivew Adult Resource Centre on the Flying Horse Road. As part of this work, Ambulance Service personnel have re-located to the Cherry Valley building to allow the ambulance station building to be prepared for its move to the Mountview site.

PLANNING

A further meeting was held on 7^th February with staff from the Planning Service and the Roads Service, as part of the process of working towards submitting the application for full planning permission for the new hospital. Our deadline for submission of the application remains 24^th March 2005.

ARTS CO-ORDINATOR

There has been significant interest in the commission for the post of Arts Co-ordinator for the new hospital project. To-date around 30 expressions of interest have been received from artists all over Ireland. The closing date for return of applications for the commission is 7^th March 2005.

DATE OF NEXT UPDATE

The next New Downe Hospital Project Update will be issued following the Trust Board meeting on 16^th March 2005.

Contact Details: New Downe Hospital Project Offices 1st Floor McFadden House Downe Hospital Downpatrick Co. Down BT30 6JA (028 4461 3866