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Campaigners have expressed strong concerns that the removal of emergency general surgery (EGS) services from Causeway Hospital could trigger a cascade of further service reductions. Over 200 people gathered at Coleraine Town Hall to voice their opposition to the proposed relocation of EGS to Antrim Area Hospital. Gemma Brolly, representing the SoS Causeway Hospital group, emphasized the campaigners’ commitment to keeping emergency surgery services in place, highlighting the community’s strong feelings on the matter.
The Northern Health Trust defended its recommendation, explaining that moving EGS to a single site is intended to maintain a safe, stable, and sustainable service. Despite the change, Causeway Hospital will remain an acute hospital with a 24/7 emergency department. Brolly, who also serves as deputy leader of Aontú, warned of a domino effect following the removal of emergency surgery. She underscored concerns raised by healthcare professionals who indicated that without emergency surgery on site, investment in elective and diagnostic services would likely decline. “There’s a strong message going out – it’s time to start listening and it’s time to turn things around because we’re not going anywhere,” she said.
The Northern Health Trust made its formal recommendation in May 2025 after a 14-week public consultation, advising that EGS services be centralized at one of its hospital sites while elective surgeries would continue at Causeway. A spokesperson for the trust stated that the current two-site model for emergency general surgery was increasingly unsustainable and that a planned change was necessary to prevent potential service collapse. The trust also expressed ambitions to develop Causeway Hospital as a regional elective and diagnostic hub. However, the recommendation remains subject to approval by the Health Minister.
Voices from the community raised personal concerns about the impact of relocating emergency services. Rebecca Gill recounted her difficult experience traveling to Antrim Area Hospital during pregnancy, emphasizing the urgency often required for emergency surgery where delays can be critical. Carol Wallace shared similar worries, noting the importance of having a hospital nearby for both patients and visitors, comparing the short travel time to Causeway with a much longer journey to Antrim. Local politicians and representatives, including members from the Democratic Unionist Party, Ulster Unionist Party, Traditional Unionist Voice, and an independent unionist MLA, attended the meeting, with some publicly opposing the withdrawal of EGS from Causeway. They argued emergency surgery should be maintained and expanded, not reduced.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Department of Health highlighted the ongoing collaboration with health trusts to evaluate the safest and most sustainable ways to deliver both elective surgery and EGS at Causeway Hospital. They stressed the importance of data-backed decisions and adherence to official guidance on changing or withdrawing services. Emergency general surgery encompasses urgent procedures such as appendicitis or bowel obstructions, which usually arise unexpectedly and demand immediate attention. The Causeway site will continue to provide planned, low-complexity elective surgeries, while trauma cases will be treated at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. It was noted that similar service relocations have occurred elsewhere, including the permanent move of EGS from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital
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