§ Mr. HesfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has for investment in the National Health Service infrastructure in Northern Ireland. [99381]
§ Mr. George HowarthMajor hospitals in each of the four Health and Social Services Board Areas are being modernised or replaced. Within the next two years, the Causeway Hospital will come into operation, along with the Altnagelvin Hospital Nucleaus Extension. Following that, a major external refurbishment project will be completed at Craigavon Area Hospital, and the Phase 1 New Block at the Royal Victoria Hospital redevelopment will be completed. The total value of these projects is almost £139 million.
Construction of a £15 million local hospital at Downpatrick in County Down is planned to begin next year and is due to be completed in 2003.
Further investment is planned with a £28 million upgrading of Altnagelvin Hospital Tower Block, and Phase 2 of the Royal Victoria Hospital redevelopment estimated at £24 million.
A £30 million Regional Cancer Centre is planned, and detailed proposals are being drawn up for a Regional Medical Rehabilitation Centre and for a Medium Secure Unit for the mentally ill. It is anticipated that these projects will be procured under the Private Finance Initiative.