Butler outlines reform vision and calls upon everyone to play their part
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Health Minister Robbie Butler has outlined his vision for a health and social care system that delivers safe, timely and high-quality care for the people of Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Robbie Butler
Opening the NICON26 conference in Belfast today, the Minister outlined the importance of a societal approach to reform and the significant achievements achieved through the HSC Reset Plan.
Reflecting the theme Reset for All | Action By All, Minister Butler said:
“My ambition is a health and social care system that delivers safe, timely and high-quality care for the people of Northern Ireland. Reform cannot be achieved by any one organisation, profession or sector alone - everyone has a role to play.
“The HSC Reset Plan is driving meaningful change helping to improve access to care, expand community-based services, embrace digital innovation and make better use of our workforce. We must maintain this momentum.
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“A crucial part of the vision for our communities to live healthier, more independent lives is through the Neighbourhood Model of Care, designed to bring services closer to people’s homes through prevention, early intervention and stronger partnership working.”
Minister Butler Minister highlighted encouraging progress achieved through reform efforts to date, including:
Northern Ireland’s regional thrombectomy service is the first in the UK to become fully operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More than 36,800 additional patients received treatment, assessment or diagnostics in the first quarter of 2026/27.
A 25% reduction in waiting lists across priority procedures.
An endoscopy backlog reduction of more than 28,000 patients since June 2022.
Over £300 million in efficiencies and savings delivered last year.
Lagan Valley Regional Day Procedure Centre’s success in delivering almost 26,000 procedures since opening. It is the first centre of its kind on the island of Ireland to achieve Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) accreditation.
While Reset is creating the conditions for long-term transformation, much more needs to be done, added Minister Butler:
“Waiting times remain too long, demand continues to grow and our financial challenges remain significant.
“Reform and sustainability must go hand in hand. Reform is not about structures; it is about making care work better for patients, earlier, closer to home and when they need it. Together we can make a real difference now and for future generations."
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