Health Minister welcomes the Urology Services Inquiry report

Date published: 24 June 2026

The Health Minister has today welcomed the publication of the final report of the Urology Services Inquiry.

The Inquiry into concerns relating to the circumstances surrounding urology services in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust was announced by then Health Minister Robin Swann on 24 November 2020 and heard evidence between June 2022 and June 2024.

Minister Nesbitt said 

On behalf of the entire health service, I offer my sincere and heartfelt apologies to all those whose lives have been affected by the issues examined in the Urology Services Inquiry. I recognise that the publication of the Inquiry’s report today will be a difficult and distressing time for patients and families

I am deeply grateful to those who came forward to share their experiences and I recognise the courage and trust this required. I thank them for helping to ensure that these failures in care have been fully and openly examined

I would also like to extend my thanks to the Chair of the Urology Services Inquiry, Christine Smith CBE KC, the Inquiry panel members and the wider team for the depth of analysis, diligence and care taken in producing this report.

My Department acknowledges the issues identified in this report and will undertake a detailed and urgent review of the findings and recommendations to ensure that appropriate action is taken to address the concerns raised.

While the report also highlights positive progress in some areas, we recognise that further action is required. We are committed to building upon work already underway to strengthen patient safety enhance the quality of care and ensure that lessons are learned and embedded across the system.

This includes the establishment of Patient Safety and Quality Committees in each Health and Social Care Trust using a regionally standardised approach, as well as a comprehensive review of the framework for addressing concerns about doctors working in health and social care settings. In addition, we are progressing the introduction of a statutory duty of candour as part of a programme of work to strengthen both systems and culture, ensuring that concerns raised by patients, families and staff are listened to and responded to effectively.

I have convened a Quality and Safety Summit next week, bringing together key leaders and stakeholders from across Health and Social Care (HSC) with responsibility for driving system-wide improvements in patient safety and quality of care.

Together we will begin to agree clear, coordinated actions to strengthen patient safety, improve quality and foster a culture of openness, learning and accountability across the health and social care system, informed by the findings of this report and those of previous inquiries.