To ask the Minister of Health to detail any alternative solutions that have been considered to sustain emergency and general surgery services at Causeway Hospital, including options for recruitment, investment and service reconfiguration.

The Northern Trust’s Strategic Vision for Causeway Hospital (March 2024) includes a clear commitment to maintaining a 24/7 Emergency Department and acute inpatient services in Causeway Hospital and sets out an ambitious vision for the development and enhancement of services in Causeway.

The Trust’s review of general surgical services has recently been subject to public consultation, and the Trust has been clear that its preferred option does not impact on Causeway’s status as an acute hospital. This is consistent with the Minister’s position that Causeway Hospital will remain a key element of the hospital network in Northern Ireland.

The Trust held a public consultation on proposals to reconfigure general surgery services between 23 August and 29 November 2024. The Trust is currently preparing a consultation outcomes report which will be presented to Northern HSC Trust Board on 27th March and then submitted to the Department of Health in due course. I will consider any recommendation made by the NHSCT at that time. In line with the DoH Circular on Change or Withdrawal of Service, the final decision on a permanent change or withdrawal of service rests with the Minister.

During and prior to this consultation process, engagement with stakeholders and staff regarding the vision for Causeway hospital was central. The staff are enthusiastic about recent service improvements such as the extension of ambulatory care, frailty services and the vision of an elective and diagnostic hub in this area.

The options for recruitment and continued investment into Causeway will continue as Causeway is central to the plans with regard to the configuration of the acute hospital configuration.