Belfast Gets £580m Health And Social Care Revamp

BELFAST is to get a network of new social care and health facilities over the next decade following the announcement of a £580 capital funding package from the Government.

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, today revealed the plan, claiming it would generate much-needed construction jobs for the region as well as bring about a long overdue upgrade of existing health and community care services across Belfast.

“A world-class health service needs modern and state-of-the-art facilities”, he said. “Key projects will include a new health and care centre for the Castlereagh area, which will be opening shortly; a new mental health inpatient unit for Belfast; a new mental health community facility in north Belfast; and the replacement of other mental health facilities and learning disability services at the Muckamore Abbey Hospital site.”

He spoke out as he cut the first sod on the site of the new regional Mental Health Facility for Adolescents and Children and Families at Forster Green Hospital in the city, adding: “This new mental health centre will provide 18 places for adolescents and 15 places for children, along with overnight accommodation for parents.

“The adolescent unit will provide more beds than are currently available, while the children’s unit is a much-needed replacement of services which were no longer fit for purpose.”

Overall, around £580m is being spent improving facilities, with £180m earmarked for projects to be completed within the next three years.