AQW 48559/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 12/06/2026
Answered On Date: 04/08/2026
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether any consideration will be given to establishing a regional fast-track protocol for patients receiving palliative or end-of-life care, including automatic prioritisation for equipment, home adaptations, care package assessments and community support services; and (ii) whether any assessment has been made of the potential benefits of such an approach for patient dignity and family wellbeing.


Answer:
I recognise the importance of ensuring that individuals receiving palliative and end‑of‑life care are supported with appropriate care in a timely manner. Following the relevant assessments, a range of mechanisms exist across Health and Social Care services to prioritise patients with urgent and complex needs, including those with palliative and end of life care needs.
Health & Social Care Trusts already have processes in place to prioritise patients who are identified as having palliative and end of life care needs for home care packages and equipment.
It is acknowledged, however, that patients may not always be identified as having palliative and end of life care needs and as a result referrals to services may not be channelled through the appropriate urgent or fast-tracked processes. I also acknowledge there can be variability in how these arrangements operate across different Trust areas and timeliness of delivery can be subject to wider local capacity and availability constraints.
Timely access to appropriate support services including equipment and community care plays a critical role in maintaining patient dignity and reducing avoidable distress for both patients and their families.
While there is currently no regionally formalised fast‑track protocol for palliative and end of life care patients, the mechanisms already in place at local level are reflected in current policy direction and service development work, including efforts to improve identification of palliative and end of life care patients and strengthen community-based provision for those with advanced illness through the Neighbourhood Health model.
My Department will continue to engage with HSC Trusts and partners including the independent hospice sector to explore opportunities to enhance existing pathways and ensure that services are equitable and aligned with best practice in palliative and end‑of‑life care