An independent rapid review has concluded that adding more beds at Nobles Hospital would not solve ongoing pressures.
The review, commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care following concerns raised by the Hospital Medical Committee in March 2026, found “overwhelming agreement that consistent application of processes aimed at driving flow would provide more sustainable mitigation”.
Peter Gent, Managing Director of PSG Health Limited and author of the report, wrote: “The reviewer does not advise increasing the inpatient bed capacity without first optimising the potential of the current capacity, skills and transformation opportunities.
“Adding additional beds without embedding changes to current practices will not deliver improved flow but will significantly increase costs and introduce additional risks.”
Urgent Care
The review noted that A&E footfall could be significantly reduced through an integrated Urgent Care model, and recommended reconfiguring bed allocation to Medicine, adding circa 10 beds by reducing surgical bed numbers.
Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian MHK said: “My Department and I committed to a review of bed capacity and insisted the work was progressed at pace and with clear focus. This has been an important step in taking ownership of the challenges we face.”
She added: “There is no single solution, but through strong leadership, partnership working and the dedication of our exceptional frontline staff, we are taking decisive action to deliver the improvements our community deserves.”
The review also highlighted that two-thirds of patients listed for admission occur out-of-hours when senior decision support is less directly available.