Health funds announced amid cuts

The health minister said new health and social care centres are to be built

New health and social care centres are to be built in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena, the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has announced.

It is part of a £29m investment in the Northern Health Trust over three years.

A total of £175m is to be spent over 10 years, including work at the Antrim, Mid Ulster and Whiteabbey hospitals.

The department has planned a series of investments across NI, while it also seeks to make "efficiency savings" of £344m over the next three years.

Health trusts have been drawing up plans to reduce services in many areas, including closing residential care homes.

The proposals will go out to public consultation.

Speaking at Wednesday's announcement, Mr McGimpsey said an acute rehabilitation and palliative care unit for elderly patients will be retained at the Inver House facility in Larne.

"I know that services provided at Inver House are highly valued by the local community," said the minister.

"I also fully appreciate that when families have relatives who need rehabilitation or palliative care it is a huge bonus if they can be accommodated in their local area."