Health Centre nearing completion

JIM Stewart, Chairman of the Northern Trust visited the site of Ballycastle Health Centre last week to see for himself how the refurbishment was progressing.

Work began on the 300,000 refurbishment project back in March this year. The major facelift will see the construction of a new entrance, reception, and administration facilities to cater for increasing numbers of people attending the centre. Waiting areas and consulting rooms will be upgraded to create a more welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for patients.

The first phase of the project involved creating a new treatment suite within the original operating theatre in Dalriada Hospital. This facility became operational on 4 May.

Phase Two will see a complete restructuring of the entrance to the centre and to the reception and administration areas. The new entrance will greatly improve access for members of the public and will provide visitors with greater privacy in the reception area. The new entrance has been designed to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, and has allowed more disabled parking spaces to be created. This part of the project is well advanced and is expected to be completed by the middle of June.

Jim Stewart was impressed with progress to date.

He said: “I am very pleased with how quickly this project is taking shape. It will certainly transform the health centre here in Ballycastle; visitors will no doubt be impressed when the work is finished. My congratulations to Paul McAteer, architect, and to Cathal Mooney and his team for the contractors for an excellent piece of work.The Trust is pleased to be able to invest in providing high quality care for the people of Ballycastle.”

In the final phase of the new development the existing consulting rooms and waiting areas will be completely upgraded. Work will also include additional, more comfortable facilities for those who work in the building. Double glazed windows will be installed throughout the Health Centre and Hospital and this will significantly improve the thermal performance of the building, making it much more comfortable for visitors and staff. Work on the health centre is scheduled to finish in July.

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