AQW 25922/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 09/04/2025
Answered On Date: 28/04/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the current position of Eden View in terms of its ability to offer short-term respite provision for children with complex needs.

Answer:

Staffing shortages continue to impact on the ability of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust to offer Short Breaks within Eden View. On the basis that safe staffing levels are not currently available RQIA cannot permit Short Breaks to reopen. The Northern HSC Trust has engaged an external recruitment agency to maximise the recruitment to vacancies in Eden View. Assuming a level of success - it is estimated that staff recruited will be available to take up post by the end of June 2025. Summer 2025 is estimated to reintroduce Short Breaks in Eden View on a phased basis (as soon as staffing levels reach a point to open 1 Short Break bed). It is anticipated that Eden View will resume full Short Break capacity (i.e. up to 3 Short Break Beds based on the needs of the children attending 7 days per week) by Autumn 2025.