AQW 20557/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 14/01/2025
Answered On Date: 29/01/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the review of Direct Payments, specifically in relation to delivery of delegated healthcare or nursing tasks.

Answer:

I recognise that issues have arisen in some Health and Social Care Trusts around the delegation of healthcare tasks, and I regret any disruption to care, or distress experienced, by those affected.

My Department is urgently undertaking a review of the process of care provision where Direct Payments (DPs) are used in relation to the provision of healthcare tasks. This includes engagement with stakeholders and families to address the issues that have arisen and make recommendations on the way forward. I look forward to receiving those recommendations on completion of this work and will seek to implement the changes necessary to address this important issue.