To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the outcome of the Reshaping Stroke Care Consultation; and how this will impact upon provision of Acute Stroke Services at the Ulster Hospital.

My officials have now completed the analysis of the consultation responses received to the Reshaping Stroke Care consultation. It is clear that residents in the North Down area have a number of concerns about any potential changes to stroke services at the Ulster Hospital. I can assure you that I will give careful consideration to those concerns going forward.

In addition to the consultation analysis, I have asked my Officials to conduct some further analysis regarding the staffing requirements for the hyperacute stroke network proposed in the consultation and this work is currently underway. I intend to consider this analysis, alongside the consultation responses and the wider evidence base in reaching my decisions. I will update the House accordingly in due course.