Urgent and Emergency Care consultation extended

Date published: 26 May 2022

Encouraging people to have their say, Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Urgent and emergency care services belong to us all and this is a chance to shape and improve those services to ensure they are fit to meet all of our needs now and into the future.

“The mantra of urgent and emergency care reform is about seeing the right person, in the right place, first time. I urge everyone to consider and respond to the proposals set out in this important consultation.”

The changes outlined in the consultation report highlight the plans to protect access to emergency care, whilst providing alternative services/pathways for urgent but not life threatening conditions. These changes will have implications for the public and it is therefore important that people understand what is being outlined in the consultation.

To support the public respond to the consultation, the Patient and Client Council (PCC) has established a new dedicated telephone line that will allow people to answer the consultation questions over the phone with a member of PCC staff. The line will be available Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm. The telephone number is: 02895 368542.

A series of virtual events have also been taking place to support participation in the consultation process, the final of which will take place on Wednesday 8 June from 2pm – 3.30pm. Both British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreting will be available at the event. People can also respond by completing an online questionnaire, emailing DoH or through the post. Further details on responding to the consultation or registering for the event are available through the Department of Health website.