HC Deb 01 April 2003 vol 402 cc631-2W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on redevelopment, improvement and future plans for the Ulster hospital under the recently announced restructuring of acute hospital services in Northern Ireland. [105751]

Mr. Browne

Under Developing Better Services, the Ulster hospital together with the Royal group of hospitals, the Belfast city hospital and the Mater hospital will form part of network of acute hospitals serving the greater Belfast area.

The Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust is taking forward a 4-phase Strategic Development Plan for the Ulster hospital. The second phase is underway and due for completion during 2005–06 at an estimated cost of£44 million. The Trust has been asked to draw up a Strategic Context for Phase 3.

Further redevelopment will be taken forward when the detailed proposals have been agreed.