AQW 17245/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 23/10/2024
Answered On Date: 12/11/2024
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health (i) for an update on the future of the Belfast Inclusion Health Service following the closure of their site on Townsend Street; and (ii) to detail any impact this will have on healthcare provision for people experiencing homelessness.

Answer:

On the 30 July 2024, the Belfast Inclusion Health Service (BIHS) had to vacate their premises in Townsend Street due to an attack on the Welcome Organisation premises.

The service has been temporarily located within the Shankhill Wellbeing & Treatment Centre and have reconfigured their service delivery to ensure the limited downturn in services provided, where possible for this population.The GP sessions have also been relocated to Crumlin Road Health Centre.

Given this relocation, unfortunately the drop-in service is currently not operational. The impact on access to healthcare for this population continues to be met, where possible, across existing services.

Relocation options continue to be explored, to support the re-introduction of the Drop-In service and the co-location of all key stakeholders in the provision of this service.