AQO 705/22-27 Oral question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health to provide an update on the publication of the Department’s blueprint for the reconfiguration of hospitals.

Asked by Nuala McAllister MLA on 20 June 2024

  • Answered
  • Oral
  • After due date
Tabled
20 June 2024
Answer due by
1 July 2024
Answered
23 July 202433 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

Shortly after taking office, I received a copy of the draft Acute Hospital Reconfiguration Blueprint. I have rightly taken some time to consider it. Since we are in a pre-election period, I will not publish the draft Blueprint before the Westminster Election.

However, I can confirm that I intend to publish the draft Blueprint shortly after the upcoming Westminster General Election.

It is important to note that the Blueprint will be published in draft form with the intention to commence a pre-consultation engagement exercise with key stakeholders. This pre-consultation engagement exercise will be followed by a full public consultation later in the year.

Official sources