AQW 42700/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 18/03/2026
Answered On Date: 10/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail when he will be publish the community rehabilitation framework.

Answer:

The development of a Community Rehabilitation Framework is currently at an early stage, with work focused on establishing key principles to underpin future service design and delivery.

As rehabilitation spans many needs and settings, it requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving clinicians, community teams, and social care to ensure individuals receive timely and appropriate support throughout their recovery.

My Department is engaging with key stakeholders including Health and Social Care Trusts and professional leads, to ensure the framework reflects best practice and meets the needs of patients across Northern Ireland.

It is not possible to be definitive about the timescale at this stage, in recognition of the multi-faceted nature of this approach and the need to align with other key Departmental initiatives, such as the neighbourhood model that is currently under development.

I remain committed to taking all actions to strengthen hospital services including rehabilitation services to improving outcomes for patients across Northern Ireland.