A new £7 million nursing and step-down care facility has been proposed for a site directly beside Craigavon Area Hospital, with the aim of tackling delayed discharges and freeing up acute beds.

The planning application, submitted by Ann’s Care Homes, covers a two-acre plot on Lisnisky Lane. If approved, the development would provide 69 care beds and create around 100 permanent jobs once operational, with a further 40 construction roles during the build phase.

The two-storey building has been designed with four separate care units, offering general nursing, dementia care, mental health support, and services for people with learning disabilities or physical disabilities. All bedrooms would be single occupancy with en-suite bathrooms. Plans also include communal lounges, dining areas, quiet rooms, visitor facilities, a multi-disciplinary meeting room, activity and training spaces, and accessible accommodation. The site would feature landscaping, tree planting and dedicated parking.

Michael McQuade, a director at Ann’s, said the facility was conceived to help patients who are medically ready to leave hospital but cannot be discharged because suitable care placements are unavailable. He said the proximity to Craigavon Area Hospital would support timely transfers and ease pressure on acute wards.

Ann’s Care Homes, which operates 25 care homes across Northern Ireland, described the proposal as a direct response to growing demand for specialist care placements and a way to strengthen the regional health and social care system. The planning application will now be assessed by the relevant authority.