§ Mr. MossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current position on the refurbishment and extension of(a) the Down Hospital and (b) the Ulster Hospital. [32639]
§ Mr. WorthingtonFollowing the decision to abandon the private finance test the Down Lisburn Trust is seeking public funding to support the development of a new hospital in Downpatrick. I have been looking at the Trust's proposal to ensure it remains appropriate and sustainable in light of developments in clinical trends and working practices as well as organisational changes in the delivery of care. I hope to conclude this shortly.
The Ulster, North Down & Ards Trust is in the process of implementing a programme of improvements at the Ulster Hospital. Funding amounting to £1.5 million has been approved for the refurbishment of the Obstetric, Accident and Emergency departments and Endoscopy Theatre.