Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has confirmed that £80 million will be ringfenced for waiting list reductions and elective care capacity during the 2026/27 financial year.

The announcement was made during a visit to the Mater Hospital Elective Overnight Stay Centre in Belfast. The centre, which opened in November 2022, has treated more than 8,000 patients and contributed to the elimination of waits exceeding four years for procedures including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, colonoscopy and tonsillectomy.

The funding forms part of the Executive's Programme for Government commitments. It will support further increases in activity, productivity improvements and reductions in red flag and time-critical waiting times.

Details of how the funding will be allocated across health and social care services will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The Minister stated that sustained investment and reform remain necessary to maintain progress.

Separately, Minister Nesbitt has launched a regional recruitment campaign for Short Breaks foster carers for children and young people with disabilities. There are currently 109 children, from birth to age 17, awaiting placement.

A recent £13.1 million investment in children's disability services has enabled all five Health and Social Care Trusts to expand or develop Short Breaks fostering provision. The campaign marks the first time the service has been promoted on a regional basis.

Eimear Hanna, Head of Service for HSC NI Foster Care, stated that Short Breaks foster carers provide families with essential respite while offering children opportunities to build confidence and social connections.