Urgent capital investment is needed to help Craigavon Hospital currently operating on an empty tank.
DUP MP Carla Lockhart says the Co. Armagh facility – built almost 50 years ago in 1972 – is in desperate need of surgery.
She has called on the Health Minister Robin Swann to allocate immediate capital funding for the Hospital, which serves a population of around 250,000 people.
There are many areas of the hospital which need funding and the Upper Bann MP believes this needs urgent attention by the Minister because of the lack of capital investment over many years.
Speaking on the matter Ms Lockhart said: “The most pressure on the hospital is the Emergency Department which is regularly stretched to breaking point.
“There are numerous other areas of the hospital which need investment and having recently met with the Chief Executive of the Trust I was made very aware of the pressures faced locally.
“It is of vital importance that a hospital like Craigavon gets the capital investment it needs to not only survive but progress in its healthcare offering.
“Now that there has been a resolution to the issue over pay awards for staff we now need to provide them with the facilities and investment to enable them to do their job effectively.
“Craigavon is at the hub of not only Upper Bann but serves many other constituencies in the vicinity.
“It is under constant pressure due to these demands and we need this investment as soon as possible.
“Craigavon Hospital has been left behind with regard to funding for a new build.
“Many of our other hospitals have been subject to significant capital investment to transform the facilities and in turn enhance the level of care.
“Urgent action is required and therefore I call on the Minister to address this matter as quickly as possible.
“I would invite him to the hospital to see first hand the pressures and the need for more capacity and improved facilities. To that end I have written to him to request that he visit in the near future.”
