HC Deb 04 February 2004 vol 417 cc943-4W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress towards the construction of a new regional maternity hospital. [150741]

Angela Smith

The new regional maternity hospital will be constructed in line with the timetable for the strategic redevelopment of the Royal Victoria Hospital site, which envisages that building work will begin in 2007 and be completed by 2010.

The Royal Group of Hospitals Trust is currently preparing a business case for the development of the new maternity hospital. In developing the business case, the trust has engaged with Service Commissioners, neighbouring Trusts, medical and midwifery staff, along with users of the service. The Trust is expected to submit a business case to the Department by June 2004.