To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans to use hospitals or units that are covid-free or “covid-light” in order to facilitate surgeries and reduce cancellations.

On 22 September I announced that an extensive programme of work has been undertaken to identify covid light, or green sites to ensure that the HSC estate is used to maximise non-covid elective capacity. In addition to Belfast City and Lagan Valley Hospitals, these sites will include the likes of Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast and the hospital and primary care complex in Omagh. They will become designated elective surgery hubs where planned surgery will continue safely and sustainably throughout the winter.

In order for these hubs to work effectively they will need to be adequately staffed, and I also launched a targeted workforce appeal on 23 September, aimed specifically at recently retired staff and staff who have recently left the health service. They will be deployed at the Covid light sites to support the continuation of surgery services.