To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the work of the Departmental Accountability Team with regards to the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

As Health Committee were previously advised in June 2025 the Department had established oversight, accountability and assurance mechanisms in regards to both cardiac surgery service issues and wider culture and leadership implications for the Belfast Trust. These actions sit within the Department’s performance accountability arrangements i.e. the Support & Intervention Framework (Level 5).

A programme of fortnightly meetings have been held, and to date 14 have taken place involving Departmental Officials, PHA, Trust and Independent Experts. With the next meeting broadened to include RQIA and PCC. My officials have separately met with the Vice Chair and Non Executive Directors of the Belfast Trust to outline clear expectations.

The initial focus for cardiac service improvement was the development of an interim action plan to progress recommendations from the Independent Expert Review report and subsequently the focus has moved to seeking assurance on progress made. The structure of the meetings enable constructive challenge, advice and support to the Belfast Trust drawing on input from the Independent Experts.

With regards to the wider culture & leadership oversight the Trust is taking forward wider actions which are expected to be reviewed by the incoming Chief Executive. Work to date, has and will continue, to be informed by the ongoing work of one of the Independent Experts whose initial diagnostic phase is expected to close in the next couple of weeks.

I receive regular updates on progress from my Departmental officials and the Independent Experts. While good progress has been made we have all acknowledged that changes to culture will require considerable time and effort. I expect the Belfast Trust Board and Executive Team to continue to drive improvement in this matter. There has been no de-escalation from Level 5 at this time.