To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) any steps he is taking to ensure that women living in rural areas have equitable access to diagnostic investigations and specialist services for suspected gynaecological cancers; and (ii) how rural accessibility is being considered in the planning and configuration of these services.

My Department is committed to ensuring that women across Northern Ireland, including those living in rural communities, have equitable access to high-quality diagnostic and specialist cancer services.

Women with suspected gynaecological cancers are referred, assessed and prioritised based on clinical need, irrespective of where they live. Regional referral pathways are in place to support timely access to appropriate diagnostic investigations and specialist assessment across Northern Ireland. These pathways are designed to promote consistency of access and care for all patients.

My Department recognises that women living in rural areas may face additional challenges in accessing healthcare services, including longer travel distances and reduced proximity to specialist centres. To help address these challenges and support equitable access to diagnostic and specialist services, a number of initiatives are being progressed, including investment in diagnostic capacity, workforce expansion, the development of regional diagnostic services and the implementation of regional approaches to elective care. These measures aim to improve access to diagnostic investigations and reduce delays, including for patients living in rural areas.

Rural accessibility is an important consideration in the planning and configuration of services. In designing and developing healthcare provision, my Department and HSC organisations consider a range of factors, including population need, geographical accessibility, travel times, workforce availability, service sustainability and clinical outcomes.

While some specialist gynaecological cancer services are delivered on a regional basis in order to concentrate expertise and support safe, high quality care, consideration is given to minimising the impact that travel requirements may have on patients and their families. My Department seeks, where possible, to maximise local access to diagnostic investigations and supporting services, while ensuring that specialist treatment is provided in settings that deliver the best outcomes for patients.

My Department also continues to explore service models that can improve accessibility for rural populations, including greater regional collaboration, networked services and the appropriate use of digital technologies to support the delivery of care closer to home where clinically appropriate.

Ensuring equitable access for rural communities remains an important consideration in the ongoing development of cancer services, and my Department will continue to work with HSC Trusts to improve access to timely diagnosis, specialist assessment and treatment for women across Northern Ireland.