§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact on the Ulster Hospital of proposed restructuring of hospital services in the province, with particular reference to capital expenditure. [106127]
§ Mr. BrowneUnderDeveloping Better Services, the Ulster Hospital will play an integral part in the delivery of acute services for the greater Belfast area.
A 4-phase Strategic Development Plan for the Ulster Hospital, estimated at just over £100 million, was announced in July 2001 by the Department of Health, 253W Social Services and Public Safety. Phase 1 has been completed at a cost of £1.5 million. The second phase is underway and due for completion during 2005–06 at an estimated cost of £44 million Phases 3 and 4, estimated at a cost of £5 8 million will address the modernisation of the A&E Unit and the enhancement of a range of services and facilities which will help ensure that the Ulster hospital fulfils its role as an acute hospital.
The timetable and funding of these developments will be decided when detailed proposals have been agreed with the Trust.