To ask the Minister of Health, given that future phases, including bariatric surgery, will be subject to funding within the Regional Obesity Management Service, to outline what treatment options are currently available for patients who have been clinically recommended for weight loss surgery.

Work is currently being taken forward by my Department to develop a Regional Obesity Management service specification.

In its first phase, which is expected to commence early 2026, the focus will be on the provision of medical injections for weight loss, with associated lifestyle support to ensure maximum effectiveness.

As work progresses, there may be further phases to this service development to include other interventions, such as bariatric (weight loss) surgery, subject to funding.

With regard to alternative options for surgical treatment, under the Extra Contractual Referral scheme, it may be possible for an individual to access healthcare assessment and/or surgical treatment outside of NI. This scheme is available for patients who demonstrate clear clinical exceptionality and would require the patient being transferred to a service provider on the UK mainland.

Body contouring procedures are commissioned in Northern Ireland for patients who meet the Effective Use of Resources Policy criteria for treatment.