Causeway Hospital’s same-day care unit doubles patient target in first year

Representatives from a number of Trust services along with SOS Causeway, Red Cross, North Coast Community Transport, Patient Client Council and service users attended the meeting of Causeway Hospital Partnership Board.

A unit at Causeway Hospital designed to reduce waiting times in the Emergency Department and help patients avoid unnecessary hospital stays has exceeded expectations, seeing more than double its initial monthly patient target in its first year.

The acute ambulatory unit, which opened in April 2024, provides same-day emergency care for suitable patients. By delivering timely treatment and interventions, the unit reduces the need for overnight admissions and lengthy waits in ED.

Ward Manager Steven Kelly told the Causeway Hospital Partnership Board that the service had quickly surpassed its target.

“When the unit opened last year, the target was to see 160 patients each month. That target has been far exceeded and the unit is seeing, on average, more than 400 patients each month,” he said.

Mr Kelly added that other Health and Social Care Trusts are now looking at Causeway’s model to inform a “whole system approach to ambulatory (same day) care” across Northern Ireland.

A new model of care

Since spring 2024, Causeway has operated both an acute ambulatory unit and a surgical ambulatory unit, forming a central part of the Trust’s Reform North programme to transform unscheduled care.

General Surgery Lead Nurse Maggie Bamford said the approach was more than a new model – it represented a change in mindset.

“It’s a mindset; it’s about delivering patient-centred, safe care, that gives the patient autonomy, reduces inpatient stays and improves hospital flow,” she explained.

“The benefits are a more resilient system and being able to deliver the kind of care that feels better for everyone.”

Strengthening the workforce

Alongside new care pathways, stabilising staffing remains a top priority for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. Neil Martin, the Trust’s Director of Planning, Performance and ICT, confirmed recent progress.

“This is really welcome news and marks good progress on our commitment to stabilising the workforce at Causeway,” he said.

“The recruitment of middle grade doctors means less reliance on locum doctors and that is a very positive development, providing us with a strong platform to build upon as we continue to strengthen our workforce.”

Two new consultants have joined the Emergency Department, and the hospital has also successfully recruited a consultant cardiologist.

Partnership and community involvement

The Causeway Hospital Partnership Board, established in autumn 2024, brings together Trust staff, service users, local council representatives and partners from community and voluntary organisations.

Its second meeting coincided with the arrival of a new MRI scanner at Causeway, which will allow local patients to access advanced diagnostics closer to home rather than travelling to Antrim. The scanner is expected to welcome its first patients later this month.

Co-chair and Northern Trust Non-Executive Director Kathy Mackenzie said community engagement is central to the hospital’s future.

“As a Causeway resident myself, I know just how passionate the local community is about their hospital and it is really encouraging to hear the progress that is being made around our Vision for Causeway,” she said.

“I’m delighted, too, that we are actively involving our community and voluntary partners because they are key to our success and have an important role in delivering on our vision and ambition for Causeway Hospital.”