To ask the Minister of Health to detail when the first phase of the Regional Obesity Management Service, announced in May 2025, is scheduled to start.

Following my announcement on the establishment of a Regional Obesity Management Service for Northern Ireland in May 2025, work has been progressing to implement phase one. This phase will focus on the development of a community-based service where adult patients will have access to lifestyle support to ensure maximum effectiveness, as well as obesity management medication, if clinically appropriate. It is anticipated this phase will be operational later in 2026.

I have secured recurrent funding to support the commencement of the initial phase of the ROMS service. Progression to subsequent phases will be contingent upon the availability of additional funding and service requirements including clinical capacity and specialist support.