Four hospital wards are permanently closed - Minister

FOUR hospital wards in Londonderry are amongst eighteen across Northern Ireland that have been permanently closed by the health service.

A further nine wards, units or areas across Northern Ireland have been closed temporarily for a period of more than six months.

Ward 2 and the Stroke Unit/Ward 22 at Altnagelvin, the Dementia/Functional Unit at Gransha and the X-Ray Room at the Waterside Hospital are the Londonderry wards listed.

The details came to light when Health Minister Michael McGimpsey revealed the information in response to an Assembly Question.