Kingsbridge Healthcare Group has announced the opening of a new private Paediatric Unit at their Ballykelly hospital based in the North West as part of a multi-million pound expansion programme. The unit will provide five star treatment in dedicated paediatric rooms for children across Northern Ireland undergoing surgery, paediatric dental treatment, and MRI scans under general anaesthetic.

Working in partnership with local company, Cleary Contracting Ltd, the latest investment encompasses five state-of-the-art ensuite rooms featuring specially commissioned hidden pull-down beds for parents or guardians to stay overnight if necessary, supersized TV screens with projectors for visual entertainment, gaming consoles for older children, and jigsaws and colouring books to keep younger children occupied.

Lucie and Ellie at Kingsbridge Private Hospital North West

This latest move from Kingsbridge Healthcare Group comes as figures released recently by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report a 22% increase in children on waiting lists over the last 12 months, a record high of 22,272 young patients. The report also showed that delays in treatment can lead to ‘irreversible consequences’ for children’s health as well as their education through missing school with recurring infections. This £250,000 Paediatric unit by Kingsbridge is a massive step in improving the options for parents seeking quicker treatment for their children in a specially designed child friendly setting.

Johnny Lynch, Consultant Greg McBride, young Louis Rogers, KPHNW GM Anthony McKenna
and Nurse Sarah Convery

There was further Good News in the North West this week with hotel management partner Focus Hotels today announced that it has taken over the operation of the Holiday Inn Express Derry – Londonderry, strengthening the company’s growing presence in Northern Ireland. With its central location and 119 bedrooms, the IHG hotel is perfectly placed for those wishing to immerse themselves in the city’s thriving travel and tourism scene. In alignment with the Holiday Inn Express brand, the hotel offers a clean, consistent, and comfortable experience to corporate and leisure travellers alike. As an existing IHG partner with a wealth of experience in the group’s portfolio of brands, Focus is well equipped to build on the property’s success as part of its expansion in Northern Ireland.

The news of Kingsbridge’s continued investment into their paediatric healthcare offering, alongside the welcome news of Focus Hotel’s takeover of the Holiday Inn Express shows that the North West’s goal of becoming more regionally balanced is certainly coming to fruition.

Holiday Inn Express Derry