Health Minster Edwin Poots announces plans to build two new health centres

TWO new £40 million health centres are to be built in partnership with private business in Northern Ireland, the Health Minister has revealed.

The buildings will be cited in Lisburn, Co Antrim and Newry, Co Down.

They will accommodate GPs and community services for assist patients.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “A key element of ongoing healthcare reform is the need to move services away from hospitals except where it is absolutely necessary and to develop service provision in the community so that people can access treatment closer to their own homes or, where possible, at home.

“The provision of these new facilities will assist that process.”

The centres will be financed through a mechanism known as Third Party Development (3PD), which involves a partnership arrangement with a private sector company.

They will serve as hubs providing health services, including GPs, diagnostic, imaging and children’s.

Physiotherapy, podiatry, older people and mental health care is also expected to be available.

The procurement process is expected to start shortly, with completion of the facilities anticipated in 2016.