Stroke unit money yet to be finalised

A new coronary care unit, a stroke unit and an acute medical unit at Altnagelvin's south wing was handed over to the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) in February.

The wing currently provides a range of services but new accommodation at Phase 3.2b of the development has yet to be opened.

Foyle MLA Mark Durkan asked Mr McGimpsey the reasons for the delay in the unit becoming fully operational and when the planned stroke services will be introduced,

The Minister replied: "Construction of the new South Wing accommodation at Altnagelvin Hospital commenced in early 2009 and was completed in mid-February 2010.

"The facility was officially 'handed over' to the Trust on 19 February and is currently undergoing commissioning before being opened for patient use.

"The Health and Social Care Board and the Western Trust are working to finalise the revenue funding required to support the new unit, with a view to ensuring this new accommodation becomes operational as soon as possible."