Trust accept ‘keys’ to new South West Acute Hospital
21/05/2012
The Western Trust is delighted to accept the keys to the new £276m South West Acute Hospital. Northern Ireland Health Care Group (NIHG) completed their three year construction programme this week and have formally handed the building over to the Western Trust.
Chief Executive, Elaine Way said: “This is a major milestone for health care provision in the Western Trust area and I am proud to accept the keys to this state-of-the-art acute hospital. I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has been involved in the planning and construction of this magnificent hospital and in particular Keith Abel, NIHG General Manager, FCC Elliott, Health Estates colleagues and the Trust’s Project Team who have worked hard to ensure that this hospital has been built to the highest standards, on time and within budget.”
She added: “Now that the Trust has taken ownership of the building, the programme for stocking and equipping the hospital begins. Our staff are already undergoing the necessary training and familiarisation, in preparation for the transition to the new hospital. Erne Hospital Estates staff have transferred today to our service partner Interserve FM who will provide facilities management services on behalf of the Trust and I thank them for their service in the past and wish them well in their new roles. They along with Western Trust staff will be working tirelessly to ensure everything is in place to begin treating patients on the 21 June 2012. We look forward to continuing to deliver a high quality service to the people of Fermanagh, Tyrone and surrounding areas for many years to come.”
Northern Ireland Health Care Group General Manager, Keith Abel said: “We are delighted to be here today recognising the achievement of practical completion reached on 19 May exactly on schedule. This is the accumulation of a three year excellent working relationship which has been developed between the Western Trust, NIHG and FCC Elliott. The Trust now has a fabulous facility in a magnificent location which everyone connected with is justifiably proud of.”
He added: “The next stage is to work with the Trust and our service partner Interserve FM over the next thirty three days to prepare the hospital in anticipation of its opening on June 21, something we all look forward to.”
Joe Lusby, Western Trust Deputy Chief Executive said: “The goal of opening the new hospital in a months’ time is in sight and staff are very excited about moving to this brand new facility. The South West Acute Hospital will be the first in Northern Ireland to be built with 100% single en-suite rooms, it will offer the most modern clinical practices using the latest technologies which will enhance the way care is delivered to patients. The new hospital will provide a wide range of major acute hospital services in line with the comprehensive services currently provided at the Erne Hospital. We are planning for the safe and smooth transfer of patients and staff from the Erne Hospital to the new hospital on 21 June 2012 and would like to thank the public for their continued support and cooperation.”
Members of the public will get the opportunity to see this new facility before it opens on 21 June 2012 at the Public Open Events taking place on Wednesday 6 June 2012 from 6pm to 9pm and on Saturday 9 June 2012 from 10am to 6pm.