Health Minister Robbie Butler has paid tribute to Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) staff for their dedication in supporting patients at some of the most difficult times in their lives, as the health system prepares for increased winter pressures.

During a visit to NIAS headquarters in Belfast, the Minister toured the Integrated Clinical Hub and observed the 'Hear and Treat' and 'See and Treat' triage models in action.

These approaches help to relieve strain on busy Emergency Departments by safely directing people to the most appropriate care and, where it is not clinically necessary, avoiding the need for an emergency ambulance response.

Speaking during the visit, Minister Butler said: "I was delighted to visit NIAS today and see all the outstanding work they do, often in very challenging circumstances, to deliver care for people across Northern Ireland.

"We know there is increasing demand for Health and Social Care (HSC) services, including on our ambulance service and particularly on our EDs as we approach the busy winter period. It is impressive to see the innovative ways that NIAS staff are working to try to manage this demand by ensuring people get the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

"One way that NIAS clinicians are working to reduce demand is through the 'Hear and Treat' and 'See and Treat' models. Clinicians can assess patients via telephone, or in person at the scene, provide treatment and discharge them safely, without the patient ever having to attend hospital. "This is a clear example of my vision for health care, treating people closer to home and reducing pressure across the system. I want to take this opportunity to thank NIAS staff for the fantastic work they do all year round."

NIAS Chief Executive, Jenny Keane, welcomed the Minister to NIAS Headquarters at Knockbracken: "We are delighted that the Minister had the opportunity to visit us today and to witness, at first hand, some of the services we deliver. In many ways, NIAS is a service that brings the hospital to the patient, and we have developed innovative ways of working to make sure that those patients who call us when they are, perhaps, at their most vulnerable, receive the most appropriate clinical care to best suit their needs.

"NIAS is a progressive ambulance service, and we will continue to search for ways to further improve our service. But we must accept that challenges across Health and Social Care impact on our ability to deliver in the timely manner which the public expect. We will continue to triage, based on clinical need and deliver the fastest response we can, delivering the highest levels of clinical care.

"Today the Minister has seen and gained a greater appreciation of the efforts of all within NIAS as an integral part of the HSC system."

In 2025–26, 44,064 incidents were resolved through the 'See and Treat' model, accounting for close to 25% of incidents requiring either clinical assessment or operational response. A further 19,612 incidents were safely concluded via 'Hear and Treat', with clinical advice provided by clinicians in the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), without dispatching an ambulance.

The Minister also visited the EOC, the critical coordination hub for emergency ambulances, where calls are received, assessed and triaged, and ambulances dispatched so patients receive timely care based on clinical need.