Department of Health working with health trusts to assess surgery services at Coleraine's Causeway Hospital

The Department was responding to an online petition organised by the Causeway branch of UNISON, which calls on Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to reinstate maternity services at Coleraine's Causeway Hospital and oppose the removal of Emergency General Surgery.

The union’s petition, which so far has collected 2,648 signatures, claims that “the removal of maternity services and now the looming threat of losing emergency general surgery is stripping away our essential services."

Responding, the Department of Health said: “The Department continues to work closely with both the Northern and Western Health and Social Care Trusts to assess how general surgery services can be delivered safely and sustainably at the Causeway Hospital.

"This work is considering the impact on both elective and emergency general surgery services across each Trust and looks at how we can improve the sustainability of hospital services.

"Every hospital is needed and Causeway Hospital continues to have a crucial role in providing appropriate care to our population. We recognise that the health needs of our population are constantly evolving and need to consider a dynamic approach to maintaining our health and social care services.

“The ongoing engagement and information analysis will take some time. However, it is important that any decisions are underpinned and supported by the relevant data.

“In considering the future model for general surgery across the Northern Trust, the Trust is required to follow the Guidance on the Change and Withdrawal of Services.

"This includes appropriate engagement and assessment of impact as part of any proposals for service change. Any decision on a permanent change to the delivery of emergency general surgery in the Northern Trust would require approval from the Department.”

Meanwhile East Londonderry independent MLA Claire Sugden has written to the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, seeking urgent clarification on the future of emergency general surgery at Causeway Hospital.

MLA Sugden said: "I have been contacted by a number of people who are deeply concerned about the uncertainty surrounding emergency general surgery at Causeway Hospital.

"Reports that staff are already being advised to consider relocation and other future employment options have understandably caused significant anxiety, and it is important that they are given clarity about what lies ahead.

"While I appreciate that no formal ministerial decision has yet been announced, the reports emerging from the hospital raise important questions about the current status of the process. I have written to the Minister to seek clarification on whether the Trust has been advised that these proposals will proceed and to establish when a final decision can be expected.

"The impact of any decision extends far beyond the hospital itself. Causeway Hospital serves a large rural population, and emergency general surgery is a vital service for people across the north coast.

"Equally, we cannot overlook the effect this uncertainty is having on staff, many of whom have dedicated years of service to caring for patients and are now facing difficult questions about their future.

"Above all, staff and the wider community deserve openness and certainty. I will continue to press for answers and ensure that the concerns being raised locally are heard."