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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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SOS Causeway Hospital Committee are set to meet the Northern Trust to discuss the future of general surgery at the hospital.
Following the announcement of the upcoming consultation on the future of general surgery at both Causeway Hospital and Antrim Area Hospital, SOS Causeway Hospital has expressed their shock and disappointment that this information was not shared at their quarterly meeting two days prior to the news breaking.
A representative from the NHSCT apologised, explaining the intention to ensure the announcement was made in-house firstly but was then 'leaked' and offered to meet the group to update them on the situation.
"We look forward to meeting representatives of the NHSCT and hearing the details of the recent announcement regarding the future of general surgery in our local hospital. It is no secret that we have previously stated our concern at stripping of essential services such as general surgery in our area, particularly when general surgery is currently operating safely and effectively," stated chair of the campaign group Gemma Brolly.
"Much has also been learned from the previous 'consultation' and 'listening events' with which post-decision, many residents expressed their shock as they had not been aware of such a consultation. It is extremely important the residents of Causeway Coast and Glens have their say in such an important matter, a matter which could essentially be 'life or death."
A Northern Trust spokesperson responded stating: “Following discussions with our consultant surgical teams in Antrim Area and Causeway hospitals, we are starting to engage with staff in relation to the provision of general surgery within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. This follows the Department of Health’s 2022 Review of General Surgery in Northern Ireland.
“Engagement is at a very early stage as we start to consider options for the future provision of general surgery within the Northern Trust area, and we will first seek staff feedback on any proposed options and potential service change.
“Any proposed change to the service would be subject to a full public consultation which will include engagement with all stakeholders including service users and our local community.”
The meeting between the Trust an Causeway SOS takes place tomorrow afternoon (Monday, February 12).
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