30th June 2003

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Maternity decision - only one real option

Sinn Fein Health Spokesperson Cllr Sue Ramsey has said that the Royal represents the only logical option for the site of the new maternity hospital.

Cllr. Ramsey said:

``The new maternity hospital should be built at the Royal site. It is the only logical option and represents the best option for parents and new born babies.

``This decision has taken far too long. The campaign by groups and politicians in South Belfast, that delayed Bairbre de Brún's original decision, has in my view only served to put back the start date of work on building the new maternity hospital.

``The staff who have been working throughout this uncertainty have maintained the highest standards. It is vital that the decision taken today is not again frustrated by groups, whose concerns I understand, but which have held back progress.

``The department must, in taking this decision, publish a timetable for the completion of the new maternity hospital so that everybody knows when the work will be completed.''

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Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
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