Sinn Féin’s health spokesperson Philip McGuigan MLA has welcomed a ‘monumental’ day for children’s healthcare in the north.

He was speaking after the green light was given by the Executive for a new £671 million children’s hospital at the Royal Victoria Hospital, with construction due to begin within days.

The chair of the Assembly’s Health Committee said:

“The announcement of a new children’s hospital will be welcomed by families right across the north, and marks a monumental day for healthcare here.

“This is a groundbreaking investment in world-class services and the latest technology, and will ensure sick children are treated in modern, state of the art facilities.

“This will have an enormous impact on young patients, their families and our dedicated health workers, and I am excited to see construction on this project commence.

“Alongside the Minister and the other parties, I’ll continue working hard to transform our health service and ensure it meets the needs of patients, workers and families.”