Kingsbridge creates 30 jobs with the opening of its new £1m ward
ONE of the largest private hospitals in Northern Ireland is creating 30 jobs and making a £1m investment as it opens a brand new ward.
Kingsbridge Private Hospital on the Lisburn Road in south Belfast is preparing to open six new state-of-the-art rooms, increasing capacity at the healthcare facility by 30%.
There will also be a new pharmacy on site.
The work is the first phase completed of an 18-month investment project to meet the increasing demand on services as a result of spiralling NHS waiting lists and more people coming from the Republic of Ireland for treatment.
The new luxury rooms feature flat screen televisions, en suite facilities and bespoke reclining chairs for patients.
There are also settee beds in each room to allow loved ones to stay overnight with patients.
Meanwhile, local artist Kathryn Callaghan was commissioned to create a vibrant artwork of the Mournes for each room to reduce the overall clinical feel and ensure that patients are as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
Mark Regan, chief executive officer at Kingsbridge, said the latest investment reflects the company’s aim to bring five-star service and facilities to all their patients, many of whom travel from the Republic of Ireland for treatment.
He said: “We are simply responding to increased demand and along with excellent medical service, we provide first-class accommodation, along with meals made from local produce by our own inhouse chef.”
“Mor e local people are self- funding or using private health insurance to avoid lengthy hospital waiting lists, particularly for procedures for hips and knees, which is why we are ranked in the top 10 of 200 private hospitals on the UK’s National Joint Register,” Mr Regan added.