AQW 27658/22-27


Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast


Tabled Date: 23/05/2025
Answered On Date: 10/06/2025
Priority Written: Yes


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what statutory first aid training is required for new care home staff prior to commencing work.


Answer:
Under the Care Standards for Nursing Homes (2015) and Residential Care Homes Minimum Standards (2022), all new care home staff are required to undertake appropriate training as part of their induction process. While there is no single statutory course mandated prior to commencing work, care home providers must ensure that staff are trained to a level that enables them to respond effectively to the needs of their residents.
The Care Standards do not explicitly state that First Aid training must be completed prior to commencing work. However, they do require that:
An induction programme is in place for all staff, including bank and agency staff, and that this induction is specific to their role,
The induction should ensure that staff are competent to carry out their duties, which includes responding to emergencies appropriately.
The standards, issued by the Department of Health, stipulate that care home providers must ensure that at all times there are sufficient numbers of staff on duty who are trained in First Aid. This includes ensuring that new staff receive first aid training either before starting work or as part of their initial induction, depending on their role and responsibilities.
In addition to training, the Care Home Minimum Standards also specify that all care homes in Northern Ireland must have appropriate First Aid policies and procedures in place and adhere to these at all times.
The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) monitors compliance with these standards during inspections, and providers are expected to maintain up-to-date training records for all staff.
The Department continues to work with stakeholders to ensure that training requirements reflect best practice and support the safety and wellbeing of residents.