Health Minister is inviting people to attend
upcoming public events as part of the consultation on the
hospital reconfiguration framework.
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 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: Wed 5 February 7-9pm
Southern Trust area:
- Location: Armagh City Hotel, 2 Friary Road, Armagh, BT60 4FR
- Date: Tues 18 February 7-9pm
Online event: Hosted by Rural Community Network in association
with Department of Health:
- Open to all
- Date: Fri 7 February 11am-1pm
Online event: Hosted by Department of Health:
- Open to all
- Date: Tues 11 February 7-9pm
Online event: Hosted by Department of Health:
- Open to all
- Date: Wed 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 at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/public-consultation-events-hospital-network-3916073?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=odclsxcollection
Details on how to register for the Rural Community Network online
event can be found here: https://forms.gle/QektxwyD5ugMK7sY6
The consultation deadline is 28 February 2025.
Please view the consultation details and complete the
questionnaire online at: https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/doh-1/hospitals-creating-a-network-for-better-outcomes/
or share your views via email at rebuildinghsc.services@health-ni.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
- 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).
