Campbell: public must engage with process

Speaking in support of his DUP colleague, Mr Campbell said: “A consultation has been launched on the proposals and we would urge the public to engage in that process.

“The Health Minister has stated his support for the Causeway Hospital and that situation has not changed. All of the options need to be fully explored, particularly to ensure that the staff recruitment issues which have faced the hospital can be addressed and improved.

“The public will not be as concerned about whether the Causeway Hospital comes under the auspices of either the Northern or Western Trusts, but about provisions for their healthcare needs.”

Mr Campbell went on to stress: “What is most important from this process is that as many high quality services as possible are easily accessible for the population served by the Causeway Hospital including the tens of thousands of visitors during the busy summer season. “There is a clear argument for these services in the Coleraine area, particularly given the nature of the tourist industry in the area and the influx of population during the summer months and the many major events which occur along the north coast.”