Health Minister launches consultation to improve urology services

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today launched a consultation on the review of adult urology services in Northern Ireland.

The main recommendations of the review, which are set to improve capacity for the delivery of urology services, include:

• Increase in consultant urologists from 17 to 23;
• All radical pelvic surgery to be carried out in BCH;
• At least 5 clinical nurse specialists should be employed;
• Increase the proportion of elective surgeries undertake as day cases; and
• Reconfigure the service into a three team model, covering northern, southern and eastern areas respectively.

Speaking during a visit to the urology department at Belfast City Hospital, the Minister said: “I welcome the opportunity to be here today to see at first hand the dedication shown by staff in the urology specialty.

“A regional review of adult urology services, across Northern Ireland, has recently been completed in order to assess the capacity of our urology services to cope with increasing demand.

“I have considered the report and am endorsing it for public consultation, which will be launched today by the Health and Social Care Board.

“The future resourcing of this service is clearly an issue which will need to be addressed if we are to deliver the high quality services which the Northern Ireland public expect and deserve.”

Urology services face increasing demand due to an aging population, increased patient expectations, men’s health initiatives and availability of better assessment and diagnosis.

Notes to Editors:

1. The speciality of urology predominantly covers the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of urogenital conditions involving diseases of the kidney, bladder, prostate, penis, testis and scrotum.

2. The Regional Review of Urology Services was completed in March 2009.

3. Around 40% of urology work is cancer related.

4. The consultation can be accessed online.

5. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571 or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.