Alliance Councillor Sorcha Eastwood has welcomed news Lagan Valley Hospital is to become Northern Ireland’s first day procedure centre.

Health Minister Robin Swann made the announcement as part of a rebuilding of hospital services due to the pandemic. All elective cases will be now referred to Lagan Valley Hospital, with an estimated 136,000 procedures being transferred to the centre annually.

“This secures the place of Lagan Valley Hospital and is a credit to the campaign for keeping these services, a campaign I have been participating with since first getting involved in local politics,” said Councillor Eastwood.

“I hope this will make a huge impact in delivering for people across the constituency and further afield, by tackling elective care waiting times. I am also pleased the emergency department at the hospital can be maintained due to having a separate entrance, meaning there will be no impact on either service.

“This is a real step forward for improving health outcomes, addressing health inequalities and improving delivery for everyone, while also being a major tribute to the hardworking and professional staff at the hospital.”