Public Meeting to Address Causeway Hospital Services Future

What Happened

A public meeting is set to take place on Thursday, August 13, at 7:30 PM in Coleraine Town Hall. The event is jointly hosted by Unison and SOS Causeway Hospital, with a focus on the future of acute services at Causeway Hospital. The meeting aims to address concerns about the potential centralisation of emergency surgery and its impact on patient safety, staff well-being, and the community.

Politicians, health representatives, and community speakers are expected to attend. The meeting's objectives include updating the public on proposals affecting the hospital, presenting evidence for retaining full acute services in Coleraine, and providing a platform for community concerns to be heard by decision-makers.

Key Facts

• A public meeting will be held on Thursday, August 13, at 7:30 PM.
• The meeting will take place at Coleraine Town Hall.
• The event is organised jointly by Unison and SOS Causeway Hospital.
• Concerns are focused on the future of acute services at Causeway Hospital, specifically the potential centralisation of emergency surgery.
• The meeting aims to inform the public and gather community input for decision-makers.
• Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA and local representatives have been invited.
• This meeting follows previous service changes, including the removal of consultant-led maternity services.

Background

SOS Causeway Hospital chairperson Gemma Brolly stated that Causeway Hospital has served the community for 25 years. UNISON Regional Organiser James Large noted that a listening event on the matter had occurred previously but indicated the need for renewed community engagement. The meeting is also framed within the context of ongoing pressures created by past service alterations and the removal of consultant-led maternity services from Coleraine to Antrim Area Hospital.