Trust say A&E not closing

In a statement to this newspaper last week, Mr Allister claimed that there are plans afoot to downgrade, and possibly remove the A&E cover at the hospital in Coleraine.

He said that a 'project management team' had been set up to 'reconfigure' emergency services at the Causeway Hospital.

The TUV leader said: " Make no mistake, this is official speak for closure of emergency facilities at Coleraine.

"Already, we have seen a rundown in the Causeway's treatment of fractures with referral on to Altnagelvin being a frequent occurrence.

"Now, there is a plan afoot within the Board to ultimately remove all emergency services."

The Northern Trust rejected Mr Allister's claims saying: " The Trust has no plans to cut acute services to the Causeway hospital and has not established a project management team for this purpose.

"Causeway Hospital does not provide a trauma and orthopaedic service.

"Patients with complex fractures have always been referred to Altnagelvin or The Royal Victoria Hospital.

"With more than 40,000 cases annually, Causeway Hospital, provides a full Accident and Emergency service to the northern part of the Trust."