AQW 45432/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 05/05/2015
Answered On Date: 15/05/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the Meals on Wheels service across Health and Social Care Trusts.

Answer:

The Western HSC Trust has advised me that it is currently in the process of taking forward new contracting arrangements for its community meals service. The Trust has held a number of consultation sessions with clients who receive the service and with service providers. Feedback from these sessions will help to inform the new contracting arrangements.

The South Eastern HSC Trust has advised that it is currently working to implement a new contract for its community meals service and to commence the provision of a frozen meals service.

The remaining three Trusts have advised that they continue to provide a community meals service for those clients who meet the eligibility criteria. All HSC Trusts have a responsibility, of course, to ensure that limited resources are effectively targeted to those individuals who are most in need.