To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 42846/22-27, to detail (i) the timeline for his Department’s consideration of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust Board’s recommendations regarding emergency general surgery provision at Causeway Hospital; and (ii) when he expects a final decision to be made.

My Department continues to work closely with both the Northern and Western Health and Social Care Trusts to assess how general surgery services can be delivered safely and sustainably at the Causeway Hospital. This work is considering the impact on both elective and emergency general surgery services across each Trust. The ongoing engagement and information analysis will take some time, however it is important that any decisions are underpinned and supported by the relevant data.

In considering the future model for general surgery across the Northern Trust, the Trust is required to follow the Guidance on the Change and Withdrawal of Services. This includes appropriate engagement and assessment of impact as part of any proposals for service change. Any decision on a permanent change to the delivery of emergency general surgery in the Northern Trust would require approval from my Department.