Debate contribution: South West Acute Hospital: Elective Overnight Stay Centre
Debate contribution by Mr Robbie Butler on .
- MLA
- Mr Robbie Butler
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 21 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- South West Acute Hospital: Elective Overnight Stay Centre
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5742310
Read the official Assembly record
Text
To be fair, I understand the fears. I worked in that sector, providing emergency response at a time when it was important to have the right people in the right place at the right time. With regard to any reconfiguration of services, they are all clinician-led and will be subject to a rigorous process between the strategic planning and performance group, the Department and any of the trusts. I do not disagree with the Member about how robust that needs to be. We have to test to see what the impact will be on, for example, the ambulance fleet and therefore on ambulance availability for those who are acutely in need. There is a difference between those who present at A&E for emergency surgery and those who are getting elective surgery. There is no doubt that, when specialisms are in place, the outcomes are much better. I agree with the Member, however, that we need to have a rigorous and forensic look at the impact that any permanent changes in any of the facilities across our system will have. That is why I believe that the independent reconfiguration committee will add value to any process and any proposal that is put forward.
202 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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