Press Release

21^st October 2004

The site for the new Downe Hospital formally transferred from the Trust to the design team at a short ceremony in Downpatrick yesterday, 20^th October.

Chairman Denise Fitzsimons and Eddie McGrady, MP MLA, addressed an invited audience of local politicians, hospital staff and community representatives, including some of those who have been involved in the campaign for a new hospital for some years.

Mrs Fitzsimons spoke about the services which have been transforming themselves into the new service model, and praised the staff who have been responsible for implementing the program of change. She said that this was the last time the trust would be looking back, and that after today, the focus will be on a concerted drive to get the new hospital completed and opened on time. She said, “This is the first stage in this journey where we have less in front of us, and more behind us. The dream is now about to become a reality.”

Mr McGrady, while remembering the traditions of service on the Downshire site where the new hospital will be built, also looked to the future. He was interested and pleased tto see the concept designs for the new building on display for the first time and he called for unity of purpose wishing the project and design teams every success with the new hospital build.

Guests then had the opportunity to meet that design and project teams, view the concept drawings and ask questions.