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Gallagher: Maternity plans shock for Belfast area

SDLP health spokesperson Tommy Gallagher has said new proposals from the Health Minister regarding the construction of a new maternity building for Belfast may fall short of public expectations.

Tue 1st June

He said: “The fact that the minister has come forward with new options for the maternity unit for Belfast will be a major disappointment for mothers and families in the greater Belfast area. Many people have campaigned for a new maternity hospital for ten years now and the minister’s announcement today looks like confirmation of the fact that there’s no money for new capital projects.
 
“Everybody recognises there’s a change of economic circumstances and in light of that the delivery of many projects are now in question. Quite clearly, the minister, in prevailing circumstances, faces some difficult choices. On the one hand, the use of the top three floors of the new building is an advancement on where we are at present. On the other hand, it falls short of public expectations and may become a permanent fixture.
 
“It’s really time for Michael McGimpsey, before the consultation commences, to spell out what funding his department will have available in the coming years.
 
“I will be taking the matter to the health committee in order to have the availability of funding clearly established so the interested parties can make best use of the consultation process.”

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