The Western Health Trust has today confirmed a £3 million “enabling works contract” will begin shortly to clear a site for the planned new North Wing at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.
The work is planned to facilitate the future North Wing development estimated at a total cost of £73m.
The major North Wing project will incorporate six inpatient ward areas, a new main entrance to the hospital and relocation of car parking facilities.
The building will be designed in a way that ensures patients receive their care and treatment in a modern clinical and therapeutic environment, compliant with emerging statutory and regulatory standards.
Western Trust chief executive Elaine Way, said the new building was the first step of a major project to relocate wards in the upper floors of the current Tower Block.
She added: “A particular effort has been made to deliver a phased approach to the project to ensure safe continuation of services on the hospital site at all times.
The site for the North Wing is located adjacent to the existing hospital Tower Block and will require the relocation of current accommodation and services such as training and education areas, clinical office areas and patient/visitor car parking.
The contract for the initial enabling works has been awarded to Lowry Brothers Ltd of Castlederg and will commence shortly with the intention that the site is fully cleared by the end of 2014/early 2015.
Ms Way said “all necessary steps” would be taken to minimise disruption to patient services.
She added: “These essential works have been scheduled to ensure patients services and clinics remain fully operational at all times.
“The Trust would like to express its thanks to all staff and public for their cooperation and support in this matter.”
Ms Way concluded: “The project will enable the Western Trust to continue with the strategic development of the Altnagelvin Hospital site and will help to deliver leading edge clinical services in a modern healthcare setting.”
