Joe Rafferty

Ulster Unionist Health Minister Robbie Butler MLA has today set out his approach to the future of hospital services across Northern Ireland, following the public consultation on Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes. With almost 30,000 written responses received, the Minister said the message from the public is clear: reform is needed, but it must be done differently. The Minister has set out a number of key actions: 🔵 Hospital categorisation proposals will not be progressed at this stage, with a review of the proposed model and terminology to take place. 🔵 A new Independent Reconfiguration Committee will be established to provide independent expert scrutiny of major or controversial proposals for permanent changes to health and social care services. 🔵 The Committee will examine patient safety, service quality, clinical effectiveness, sustainability, evidence and consultation, with its advice published for transparency. 🔵 Existing guidance on the change or withdrawal of services will be reviewed, including requirements around evidence, transparency, early engagement and rural and equality impacts. 🔵 The Department’s Transport Strategy for Health and Social Care will also be reviewed, recognising the impact of travel distances, ambulance capacity and public transport on patients, particularly in rural communities. The Minister has been clear that services should continue to be delivered locally wherever this can be done safely and sustainably, while recognising that some specialist services may need to be delivered on a regional or networked basis. Following visits to South West Acute Hospital and Causeway Hospital, Minister Butler has also emphasised the importance of listening directly to clinicians, staff, patients and communities before major decisions are taken. Minister Butler’s message is clear: reform is necessary, but it must be evidence led, properly scrutinised and focused on delivering the best outcomes for patients. “We really need to do reform better.”