Diane Dodds said:
“For five decades, Craigavon Area Hospital has served the community, yet much of its site is no longer fit for purpose. As a vital acute hospital for a large swathe of Northern Ireland, it must not be disadvantaged in future healthcare planning due to its outdated estate.
A masterplan was developed in 2016 after extensive engagement, and nearly four years ago, the Southern Trust submitted a £151 million bid for Phase 1A, focusing on emergency care, imaging, recovery, cardiac, and critical care. The need for investment is beyond question. An independent report following Covid outbreaks in 2020 highlighted poor ventilation, overcrowding, and inadequate isolation facilities as contributors.
While hundreds of millions have been invested in hospitals across other Trusts - Antrim, Altnagelvin, and the Royal - Craigavon remains largely unchanged since the 1970s. Capital expenditure in the Southern Trust has lagged significantly – this must change.
It is time for the Minister to recognise Craigavon’s strategic importance and ensure this much-needed redevelopment progresses without further delay. We cannot allow past delays and financial mismanagement elsewhere to stall critical investment here. Whilst the Minister’s warm words in the Chamber today are welcome, they must be backed up with commitments to take this work forward. I will certainly be relentless in my pursuit of this investment as it is essential to the health outcomes of so many people.”