Altnagelvin Hospital to get multi-million pound revamp

The government have today announced a multi-million pound 10-year redevelopment plan for Altnagelvin Hospital.

The project, which is part of an overall £100 million investment plan, involves a state-of-the-art extension and refurbishment programme which will completely modernise all areas of the hospital and include renewal of engineering infrastructure.

Speaking at the launch today, Health Minister Angela Smith said: “This project will bring major benefits to the entire western area community and underlines the importance of Altnagelvin as a cornerstone of the acute care infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

“The redevelopment project is an exciting example of the sort of work which is being taken forward across Northern Ireland under the Developing Better Services banner. It is work which is dedicated to bringing about the best possible outcome for the patient and to bringing Northern Ireland up to the best standards in Europe.”

Once completed, the project will provide modern patient accommodation and a significantly improved working environment for more than 2,000 professional, technical and support staff.

Paying tribute to those involved in the project, the Minister said: “I am particularly impressed by the patient-centred approach which has been adopted towards this project. Each phase has been carefully planned to ensure minimum disruption to patients, hospital staff and the general public.

“The new lighter, brighter wards, the modernising refurbishment programme, the progressive technical medical facilities and the emphasis on the importance of the patient and staff experience of the care process all point towards a future in which Altnagelvin will be at the forefront of the drive for excellence.”

The first phase of the major re-development scheme, an extension which was completed in 2000 at a cost of around £20 million, has provided state-of-the-art accommodation and equipment and included a new day case unit, theatres, intensive care, medical imaging and outpatient facilities.

(MB/GMCG)