Rural Health Access Under Threat in NI

Campaigners have issued a stark warning to the Northern Ireland Executive, stating that rural lives must not be overlooked in health transformation initiatives. Four hospital campaign groups have collectively called for a dedicated cross-departmental working group to tackle the pressing issue of rural health access. They fear that rural communities are in danger of losing timely access to acute and other crucial hospital services.

This call comes as several vital services have been removed or are facing suspension in rural hospitals. Emergency general surgery (EGS) has been permanently removed from Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry, and maternity services are at risk of suspension from November 23, 2026, with potential consolidation at Craigavon Area Hospital. Maternity services were also permanently suspended at Causeway Hospital in 2023, consolidated at Antrim Area Hospital. EGS has remained suspended at South West Acute Hospital while a vision for its healthcare is developed.

Campaigners are advocating for a "presumption of restoration" for services removed without adequate assessments. They highlight that rural-proofing of healthcare decisions is "non-existent," leading to significant impacts on communities forced to travel long distances for care. They are demanding independent rural-needs and equality assessments, alongside the proposed ministerial working group, to ensure equitable healthcare across Northern Ireland.