To ask the Minister of Health (i) how many green sites have been developed in healthcare settings; (ii) where these sites are located; and (iii) for his assessment of how successful they have been.

The Elective Care Framework published on 15 June 21 committed that Belfast City Hospital and Lagan Valley Hospital (LVH) would remain as elective (‘green’) sites serving the region with every effort made to keep elected care services entirely separate from any exposure to Covid-19.

The Day Procedure Centre (DPC) at LVH for example is working extremely well, supporting a range of specialties from across the region to undertake the most urgent clinical day cases. Clinical teams are also delivering cataract operations on a regional basis at the Downe Hospital, South Tyrone and the Mid-Ulster Hospital. Work is also underway to deliver regional day procedure lists at Omagh although this will be dependent on available staffing.

Work continues to develop further designated ‘green’ sites and ‘green pathways’ across the HSC for delivery of elective care in the safest and most efficient manner possible.

However in order for ‘green’ sites and pathways to work sustainably and effectively they need to be adequately staffed and COVID continues to have a serious impact on capacity in the system.