AQW 30979/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 11/09/2025
Answered On Date: 26/09/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail why the planned opening of Redwood has been delayed.

Answer:

The South Eastern HSC Trust has been working with an independent provider to open the Redwood facility in Belfast for Children with a Learning Disability. It had been anticipated that this facility would open in September 2025. However, due to issues pertaining to the lease of the property, and the time required to register the facility as a Children’s Home with RQIA, the opening of the home will be delayed until November 2025.

There is also an estimated 6 - 8 weeks of building work required to the Redwood facility, and this work has been progressed. Upon completion of the works and necessary risk assessments, such as fire and legionella, the RQIA will then assess the Trust application to register the Building as a Registered Children’s Home. There is a natural timeframe for these processes, which will impact upon the final completion or opening date. The Trust representatives meet on a weekly basis which has cross Directorate representation and this meeting is chaired by the Executive Director of Social Work to ensure that all of the necessary components are progressing.

The proposed opening of Redwood is on schedule for November 2025, and the Director and Assistant Director meet with the families every two weeks to keep them updated on progress.

The delay to Redwood will postpone the planned availability of Residential Short Breaks in Lindsay House, which will also impact families in the Belfast HSC Trust.

The South Eastern HSC Trust has expressed regret regarding this setback, and will continue to work with all families to provide interim supports during this time.