Write a comment
A new framework for hospital reorganisation by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt sees Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry designated as a General Hospital while the other Southern Trust facility Craigavon is designated an Area Hospital.
The framework outlines key principles that he expects to shape how services are delivered moving forward. The document, titled “Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes”, is now open for public consultation.
The framework groups hospitals into four main categories:
• Local Hospitals: Focused on primary, secondary, and community services, supporting area and general hospitals. Examples include Downe Hospital, Lurgan Hospital, and Omagh Hospital.
• General Hospitals: Offering key secondary care services, including unscheduled care, particularly in more remote areas. Hospitals like Daisy Hill and Causeway Hospital fall into this group.
• Area Hospitals: Delivering a full range of secondary care services, including both planned and unplanned treatments. Craigavon Area Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital are examples.
• Regional Centres: Providing specialist services for the entire population of Northern Ireland, such as the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital.
The report stresses the importance that the emergency departments in General Hospitals including Daisy Hill need to be
sustainable on a 24/7 basis, "as the Area Hospitals [incl Craigavon] could not cope with their significant workload."
Nesbitt stressed, “Too often, we see our hospitals as independent units. Many have struggled with staffing and maintaining services, sparking real concerns in local communities. But it’s time we think bigger. Every hospital plays a vital role, and together, as part of a network, they can deliver better results for patients and staff.”
He acknowledges that reorganisation is essential. “Some hospitals will see changes to their roles, but this is necessary if we’re to keep up with modern medicine and deliver better outcomes.”
Nesbitt also reassured the public that the framework isn’t about closing hospitals or cutting costs. “This is about managing change carefully, showing how each hospital fits into a wider plan, and ensuring that every one of them continues to serve its community.”
The framework outlines a future where not every hospital will provide every service, but all will remain crucial to the region’s healthcare system. He pointed to examples like the growing trend of standalone elective care hubs like the one at Daisy Hill as part of this ongoing reform.
The public consultation on this proposal begins on October 2nd, and Nesbitt encouraged everyone to get involved. “This is your chance to make your voice heard,” he added.
Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins believes that any reset of hospital services must be focused on improving the services available and delivering better outcomes for patients.
The MLA who is her party’s health spokesperson said “It’s vital people from across the north have their say on how health services are structured.
"Any reset must be focused on improving outcomes, cutting waiting lists, and ensuring everyone has equal access to quality health care”.
“It is essential the health minister ensures that any proposals are developed working in partnership with patients, carers, and staff.
"Consideration must also be given to ensure those in more rural areas are able to access hospital services in a timely manner when they need to”.
For those interested, the full document, “Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes”, can be accessed online at www.health-ni.gov.uk
