AQW 49943/22-27


Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim


Tabled Date: 30/06/2026
Answered On Date: 30/07/2026
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps that are being taken to ensure that residents in care homes and supported living facilities are adequately protected during extreme heat.


Answer:
Providers of care homes and supported living services are responsible for ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of residents, including during periods of extreme heat. Services are expected to have appropriate risk assessment, emergency planning and business continuity arrangements in place to respond to adverse weather conditions and to protect individuals who may be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) provides advice and guidance to help protect people who may be vulnerable during periods of hot weather. This includes measures to prevent dehydration and heat-related illness, such as encouraging adequate fluid intake, maintaining cool indoor environments, monitoring individuals who may be particularly susceptible to the effects of heat, and ensuring staff are aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Providers are expected to take account of such guidance as part of their local risk management and care arrangements.
Health and Social Care organisations work with providers to promote preparedness and resilience during periods of extreme weather. Measures may include monitoring residents who are at greater risk, supporting adequate hydration, maintaining comfortable indoor environments through ventilation and cooling measures where appropriate, reviewing care and activity arrangements, and ensuring staff are able to recognise and respond to the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
Providers are also expected to take account of relevant public health advice and local risk assessments when implementing measures to safeguard residents.
The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), through its regulatory and inspection role, expects registered services to have appropriate arrangements in place to manage risks to residents' health, safety and wellbeing, including those arising from extreme weather conditions.