Mike Nesbitt has stepped down as health minister amid disagreements with UUP leader Jon Burrows regarding the removal of emergency general surgery services from Causeway Hospital. Health officials have expressed their backing for Nesbitt, highlighting his leadership and engagement with clinical leaders during his tenure.
The Northern Trust has indicated that the current model of providing emergency general surgery across two hospitals is unsustainable. As the health sector awaits a new minister, there are calls to maintain progress on health service improvements and address ongoing pressures faced by healthcare professionals.