3 September 2026

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has called on Health Minister Robbie Butler to follow through on his commitments around rural services and ensure reform does not simply lead to further centralisation.

He added that much of the Minister’s statement reflects concerns and arguments the SDLP has raised in Opposition for some time, and that the focus must now be on turning that change in approach into action.

Colin McGrath MLA said:

"There is much in this statement that I welcome. In fact, much of the language now being used by the Minister reflects arguments we have been making in Opposition for some time. We have consistently argued that change cannot simply mean centralisation, that consultation must be genuine and that the needs of rural communities cannot be an afterthought.

"Too often our health service has viewed these decisions through an urban lens. Decisions that may look sensible on a map or a spreadsheet can mean much longer journeys for patients, poor or non-existent public transport options and added pressure on families and ambulance services. Those realities must be central to decisions about local services, not considered after the fact.

"I particularly welcome the Minister’s recognition that it is not enough to simply declare an existing service unsustainable. There must be clear clinical evidence that what replaces it will be better for patients. We also need to see every effort made to sustain safe rural services, with the staff and investment they need, rather than allowing them to struggle and then presenting centralisation as the only option.

"The Minister has set a clear standard, particularly when decisions come before him on Daisy Hill, Downe, SWAH and Causeway. Communities will expect him to show that every effort has been made to protect and sustain their services before any decision is taken to remove them.

"There has been a clear shift in language coming from the Department, and that is a positive development. The SDLP will hold the Minister to the commitments he has made. The challenge now is turning those words into action and showing that this new approach means something for patients and communities."