To ask the Minister of Health to detail what action is being taken to ensure that children assessed as requiring urgent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedures receive treatment within clinically-safe timescales.

The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) and the wider HSC has implemented a number of proactive measures to help address the backlog of children who require PEG tube insertions.

This has included RBHSC carrying out weekly theatre lists specifically for PEG tube insertions, securing additional capacity in Great Britain and the Ulster Hospital, for patients with less complex needs. The Ulster Hospital have carried out 7 procedures.

These initiatives have already led to a significant reduction in the waiting list from 92 children in April 2024 to 12 children actively waiting. Eight of the twelve children waiting have dates booked for surgery, six children in October and two children in November 2025. A further thirteen children are currently suspended from the waiting list due to social or medical reasons of which one child is waiting an MDT, these children are frequently reviewed by the paediatric surgeons.

To increase capacity, the Trust has scheduled ongoing additional clinics and theatre sessions.

Departmental officials maintain regular contact with Trust management to monitor progress and ensure that mitigation measures are being implemented. PEG tube surgery is now a standing agenda item in the Regional Children Health Partnership meetings.

Finally, I acknowledge that while progress has been made, the ultimate goal is zero children on the waiting list. I must emphasise that sustained investment and coordination are essential to achieving this.