AQW 43880/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 14/04/2026
Answered On Date: 23/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department is planning a review of elective care in Downe Hospital.

Answer:

There are currently no plans to undertake a review of elective care at Downe Hospital.

Downe Hospital plays a vital role in our hospital network. It provides a range of outpatient, diagnostics and day procedure services, including cataract surgery, some general surgery procedures and some Electroconvulsive Therapy related procedures.

The Day Procedure Centre for cataract surgery at Downe Hospital has had a hugely positive impact on waiting times. This Day Procedure Centre is recognised as a centre of excellence, currently delivering seven theatre sessions each week, with in-reach independent sector support at weekends when possible. We can expect upwards of 2,350 cataract surgeries to be delivered from Downe theatres in 2026/27. In addition to cataract, the ophthalmology medical and nursing teams also deliver glaucoma, and oculoplastic theatre lists on site.

The wider strategic framework for elective care is set out in the Elective Care Framework (ECF), which lays out the roadmap for tackling waiting lists on a sustainable basis, subject to the necessary funding. My Department continues to scrutinise activity and efficiency at all Health and Social Care sites.