Written question asked by David Burnside (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 April 2005. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 April 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans he has to increase (a) ward and (b) bed numbers at Antrim Hospital.

Answer: David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to increase (a) ward and (b) bed numbers at Antrim hospital. [224094] Angela Smith: In July 2004, a new 10-bed short stay ward for patients requiring observation or short-term treatment was opened at Antrim Area hospital. In addition, under the Reform and Re-investment initiative, funding has been made available for the construction of an additional 24-bed ward that is expected to open towards the end of 2005. Further expansion of Antrim Area hospital is being considered in the context of the implementation of "Developing Better Services", and the United Hospitals Trust and the Northern Health and Social Services Board are currently developing a detailed business case in this regard.

Secondary information