Mr Robin Swann, the Ulster Unionist North Antrim Assemblyman and Chairman of the Stormont Employment and Learning Committee, has “warmly welcomed the confirmation that urology services will not be ceasing at the Causeway Hospital as had previously been rumoured”.
Assemblyman Swann, who is also UUP Chief Whip and North Antrim UUP Chairman, said the confirmation was “a very welcome medical boost for the North Antrim community and a victory for common sense”.
Mr Swann had previously written to Dr Tony Stevens, the Chief Executive of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, expressing his concern over the rumours that much-needed urology services at the Causeway Hospital were to be axed.
Mr Swann said: “I have received written confirmation from Dr Stevens that there is no foundation to these rumours and that urology services will remain at the Causeway.
“In his response to me, Dr Stevens emphatically stated that the urology service is not ceasing in Causeway at any time.
“He said the Trust is progressing well with the final stages of the formation of Team North West planned for 1 April. He added that the Trust currently has and post April will continue to have nine day surgery lists, four diagnostic surgical sessions as well as outpatient clinics in Causeway hospital.
“The only difference post April is that the service will be provided by an in-reach urology team from the Western Trust, Dr Stevens informed me.
“I am very pleased with this response from Dr Stevens as this will set the minds of many patients at ease to know that urology services will remain intact at the Causeway. This is, indeed, very welcome festive news at this time of year,” said Assemblyman Swann.
