Surgery aims to improve the appearance of the face and resolve any feeding and speech problems that may occur.
The South Eastern Trust delivers Northern Ireland’s Cleft Lip and Palate Service, external in partnership with the Belfast Trust.
The South Eastern Trust said it is a “highly specialised service requiring consultant surgeons with specific expertise in cleft surgery”.
It said the post has been vacant since 19 June 2026 and while it has been advertised, no applications had been received by the closing date.
The trust said it is “considering the most appropriate timing for re-advertising the post in order to maximise the likelihood of attracting suitable candidate”, but could not confirm a timescale for recruitment.
It said it is working closely with Belfast Trust, the Department of Health, and regional partners “to explore options for maintaining service provision during the recruitment period”.
As an immediate measure, a former cleft surgeon is providing locum sessions during the summer months.
It added that there have been “advanced discussions” with specialist centres in the UK regarding future arrangements.
This would involve specialist cleft surgeons travelling to Northern Ireland for outpatient assessments, surgical procedures and follow-up care, “ensuring that children can receive continuity of care locally wherever possible”.