Planning approval is being given for a new £8.4 million paediatrics ward at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.
The application – part of an overall £15 million paediatrics development across the Newry and Craigavon Area Hospitals – is being given the go-ahead by Newry Mourne and Down District Council.
The investment in services for children and young people was announced last November by the former Health Minister Jim Wells.
A planning application was submitted by the Southern Health Trust for the redevelopment of the existing sixth floor at Daisy Hill Hospital into a paediatrics ward.
It is the intention that all planned paediatric surgery for the Southern Trust will be centralised in the new £8.4m purpose built centre of excellence at Daisy Hill Hospital.
A further £6.9m will be used to upgrade paediatric services at Craigavon Area Hospital.
Speaking last November, Mr Wells said: “In these hard economic times, this is excellent news for children and young people in the Southern Trust Area.
“This development of children’s services at Daisy Hill and Craigavon Area Hospitals clearly demonstrates my commitment to improving the lives of Northern Ireland’s children and young people and it is a real and tangible sign to the people of the Southern Trust area that a new development will be delivered as promised.
“This capital project represents a major investment for the area, not only terms of health and social care but also for the construction industry. I am extremely confident that the local economy will benefit from the project by not only securing, but creating employment in this challenging economic climate.”
The centre will be located on level 6 of the hospital which will be redeveloped to include a new child-friendly theatre suite and recovery area, co-located beside a 20 bedded children’s ward, and a dedicated area for paediatric outpatients and ambulatory care – all custom designed to support the delivery of the most up to date clinical standards for the treatment and care of children and young people.
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