HC Deb 17 July 1998 vol 316 cc328-9W
Mr. Moss

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which services will be provided in the proposed new Downe Hospital. [50325]

Mr. Worthington

I announced my decision on 28 May to support the development of a new modern hospital for Downpatrick. To that end I have asked the Down Lisburn Health and Social Services Trust, in conjunction with the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and local GPs, to develop a proposal for a new hospital which will build on developments in treatments and technology and treat patients in the most appropriate setting locally while continuing to have access to a considerable range of acute services supported by the necessary specialist services and back-up facilities available from larger acute centres in Belfast.