Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is inviting people to attend upcoming public events as part of the consultation on the hospital reconfiguration framework, with the next event set to take place this week in Ballymena.
The consultation “Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes” was launched on 2 October and sets out the key principles to underpin service reorganisation.
The Department of Health states the aim of the consultation is to address a number of areas including the need for hospital reconfiguration, how hospitals can work together for better outcomes, where services are and how people can get the services they need in a sustainable way.
A number of public engagement sessions have already taken place across NI, and further in-person events are scheduled for Ballymena and Armagh during February. For those unable to attend in person, a number of online events have also been arranged.
The Minister said:
“The pressures evident in our health and social care system underscore the necessity for reform. Change is necessary to make sure the services we provide can be delivered safely and productively in order to meet the needs of both our current and future population.
“As I have previously said, reconfiguration is not about cutting costs or closing hospitals. It’s about managing change in a controlled way to ensure our people have access to the right services at the right time, resulting ultimately in better outcomes for all.
“But in helping shape that reform, your opinions and experiences are essential.
“I encourage everyone to take part in the ongoing consultation process and make your voices heard before the closing date of 28 February. My Department will consider all views expressed.
“I welcome the meaningful engagement at recent public events in Newtownards, Omagh and Belfast. Further events have been scheduled, both in person and online, and I would invite you to go along, listen, take part in the discussion and share your views.”
The dates and locations of all upcoming meetings are outlined below:
Northern Trust area
Location: Tullyglass Hotel, 178 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, BT42 1HJ
Date: Wednesday 5 February, 7-9pm
Southern Trust area
Location: Armagh City Hotel, 2 Friary Road, Armagh, BT60 4FR
Date: Tuesday 18 February, 7-9pm
Online event: Hosted by Rural Community Network in association with Department of Health
Open to all
Date: Friday 7 February, 11am-1pm
Online event: Hosted by Department of Health
Open to all
Date: Tuesday 11 February, 7-9pm
Online event: Hosted by Department of Health
Open to all
Date: Wednesday 12 February, 2.30-4.30pm
The meetings will provide information about the proposals, answer questions from the public, and encourage participation in the consultation process.
Kate Clifford, Director of Rural Community Network (RCN), which is hosting one of the online events, said:
"Our role is to ensure that rural communities with concerns about proposed changes to hospital services have a chance to voice their opinions and receive meaningful responses. We are committed to fostering genuine dialogue and ensuring rural voices are heard.
"As part of our Strategic Plan, RCN aims to amplify the rural voice and advocate for policies that meet the unique needs of rural communities. Hosting a rural-focused session is essential to achieving this.
“By working alongside departments and rural communities, we aim to address the challenges rural populations face and promote equitable access to healthcare services.
“RCN believes that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right and encourages rural communities to participate in the consultation to ensure a fair and effective health system across Northern Ireland.”
Details on how to register for each of the Department of Health public events can be found by tapping here.
Details on how to register for the Rural Community Network online event can be found by tapping here.
The consultation deadline is 28 February 2025.
Please view the consultation details and complete the questionnaire online by tapping here.
You can also share your views via email at: rebuildinghsc.services@health-ni.gov.uk
A number of public events have already been held as part of the consultation process, including in Newtownards (17 December), Omagh (15 January) and Belfast (21 January).