To ask the Minister of Health to detail any anticipated timeframe for a decision on the proposed reconfiguration of emergency general surgery services at Causeway Hospital.

The Northern HSC Trust submitted its consultation feedback report on the proposed reconfiguration of general surgery services to my Department in May 2025. This was an early step in the change and withdrawal of service process. My Department subsequently commissioned an independent GIRFT review which concluded that the proposed clinical model was appropriate and would improve the quality of patient care, reducing the risk of an unplanned service failure.

Further work continues to assess workforce and service sustainability, clinical outcomes, patient safety and the potential impact on other Trusts and my Department continues to work closely with the Northern Trust to assess how general surgery services can be delivered safely and sustainably at the Causeway Hospital.

Any permanent change must follow the Department’s Guidance on the Change and Withdrawal of Services and will be subject to the appropriate governance and assurance processes. Any decision on a permanent change will require my approval.

Since taking up office, I have visited the Causeway Hospital and met with clinicians and members of the local Causeway Group. Patient safety and the continued provision of safe and sustainable services will remain central to my consideration of any final proposal.