To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many beds are expected to be available at the new-build at Mid-Ulster hospital; and whether a consultation exercise will be undertaken (a) before and (b) after the building has been designed. (111670)

The Step I outline business case for the Northern Health and Social Services Board acute and local hospitals proposed that the total number of beds in the redeveloped Mid-Ulster hospital would be 45, made up of 29 in-patient beds and 16 day case beds.

As part of the exemplar design process and the subsequent post project evaluation process, formal consultation will be provided for with all key stakeholders.