Goggins praises award winning healthcare buildings 



Health Minister Paul Goggins today praised the innovation and creativity of the latest generation of healthcare buildings in Northern Ireland.

Many have won prestigious awards both nationally and locally.

The Minister emphasised that better design meant better quality care for patients. 



Paul Goggins said: “The quality in the design and delivery of these buildings will serve the people of Northern Ireland well for many years. I would like to congratulate all of those involved. It is gratifying to see the recognition that Northern Ireland’s health and social care buildings have received in this range of prestigious national and local awards. I want to ensure that we continue to provide a first class health and social care environment that will continue to meet the needs of patients.” 



The Minister continued: “Good design is a commitment to a better quality of life for all. Good design means better care for patients. It can also lead to cost savings; cash that can be pumped back into frontline patient care.”



At a ceremony held in Parliament Buildings to recognise the achievement of excellence in Northern Ireland healthcare projects, Andrew McCormick, Permanent Secretary at DHSSPS, spoke to the representatives of local HSS Trusts, Health Estates, architectural practices and construction contractors who had contributed towards winning a range of prestigious national and local awards.

Northern Ireland projects received three first places and two second places out of a total of seven categories in the “Building Better Healthcare” awards held in London in October 2006.

(JM/SP)