Acute hospital will be 'best in Europe'

Catriona Loughran • Published 4 Mar 2010 14:07 0 Comments

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Councillors were united in their praise for the progress of development at the site of the new £270 million Acute South West Hospital in Enniskillen which they visited last Friday.

At Monday night's monthly meeting of Fermanagh District Council, councillors said they were "impressed" with the work carried so far on the new hospital site which is scheduled for completion in summer 2012.

"I'm glad to see we have a completion date for the new hospital site and that the recent bad weather did not hold up progress," said Independent Councillor Bernice Swift.

"I'm also happy to learn that work on the hospital is in budget and I'm satisfied with the economic benefits it will bring and has brought to our county and that it will be home to one of the best hospitals in Europe," she continued.

DUP Councillor Bert Johnston said it was reassuring to see the new hospital "coming to fruition" and uttered the words of Director of Acute Medical Services of the Western Trust Joe Lusby who told councillors at the site, "there is nothing like this in the rest of Europe".

SDLP Councillor Frank Britton said the new hospital has benefited the county already.

"I'm impressed with the level of sub-contract work that has been given to Fermanagh businesses and the Health Commissioning Group has to show real commitment in ensuring that this level of work will continue."

UUP Councillor Tom Elliott added, "It's huge for this part of the world and for this region and it was pleasing to hear Dr Kelly state that services will be continued at the new hospital but we must continue to ensure that there is no slippage in any service, as we can't have a hospital with nothing in it. I would also like to congratulate the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey for the continued encouragement he has given on the project."

The new 312-bed hospital, located beside Wolf Lough on the Irvinestown Road, includes an accident and emergency unit, diagnostic and treatment services, critical care wards and outpatient services. An identifiable Women's Centre and Children's Centre are also integrated into the facility.

Northern Ireland Health Group, who is managing the design and development of the new hospital, is working closely with the Western Trust to finalise the design of the new facilities. This includes the architectural, mechanical and electrical aspects, as well as the essential clinical design development. This part of the project has now reached a detailed planning stage which involves a room by room review of the location of each fixture, fitting and key pieces of equipment. The Clinical Review Programme, which involves approximately 40 staff groups, is due to be completed in the Spring.

The Council delegation was led by Vice-Chairman, Frank Britton and members were provided with a bird's eye view from the building frame, which has reached third floor level.

The contractor, the Northern Ireland Health Group and construction contractor, FCC Elliott, are nine months into their three-year programme.

The Group's general manager, Keith Able said, "Construction is currently focusing on completing the substructure works and putting the tower cranes into position in preparation for the construction of the superstructure to the main hospital building. Work to the service tunnel that runs the length of the hospital building is now 80 per cent complete. The double storey car park which is visible from the road, is now complete, while the bridge and the road which lead to the car park wil be ready for use by site traffic by the end of the month."

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Mar 10

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