AQW 50263/22-27


Mrs Ciara Ferguson
Sinn Féin
Foyle


Tabled Date: 02/07/2026
Answered On Date: 22/07/2026
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 31088/22-27, for an update on the work of the subgroups that report to the Right Care Right Person Silver Operational Group.


Answer:
Further to AQW 31088/22-27, work to implement the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) model has continued to progress. A number of subgroups have been established to lead on key workstreams that are essential to the implementation of RCRP. In addition, other subgroups are progressing complementary areas of work which, while not critical to implementation, are intended to support and enhance the effectiveness of the model over the longer term.
Subgroups vital to RCRP implementation:
Interagency working arrangements: The interagency Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for Welfare Checks and Gaining Entry are at an advanced stage following legal advice and it is anticipated that they will be finalised shortly. These are required for the Concern for Welfare phase of RCRP. In addition, the Revised Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (MHO) Code of Practice was formally launched by the Justice Minister and myself on 9 July 2026 and covers the MHO Article 130 and voluntary assessments/handover phase of RCRP.
Walk Out and Missing from Healthcare: A draft protocol is being developed to address instances where patients leave emergency departments or other healthcare settings before the completion of their care, including circumstances in which individuals detained under the MHO are absent without leave. This is a key requirement for the implementation of the Walkouts and Missing from Healthcare Facilities phase of RCRP. While progress has been impacted due to a change in PSNI co-chairing arrangements, work is expected to recommence at pace.
Data and Outcomes: A number of arrangements have been established to support the monitoring and evaluation of RCRP implementation, enabling the early identification of emerging pressures, trends, operational issues and learning across the system.
Training: Recognising the importance of a consistent multi-agency approach, training materials associated with the revised MHO Code of Practice have been shared across health and policing. PSNI has now commenced the roll-out of mental health training to frontline staff. For the HSC, training has been delivered via NI Social Care Council (NISCC) and Clinical Education Centre (CEC). Training for Emergency Department staff has been developed and is scheduled to be rolled out over the summer months. Other training avenues are also being explored, including an online training package, annual interagency training through Queen’s University Belfast and localised training through the multi-agency locality governance groups established to support RCRP.
Subgroups established which are complementary to RCRP but not critical to implementation:
Use of Restraint: A draft guidance document has been developed outlining the level of restraint that can be used by each agency and has been shared for stakeholder comments.
Acute Care Network: Delayed discharge is a key factor impacting upon patient flow and the capacity to admit new patients assessed as needing bed-based care. The delayed discharge protocol is now at the final stage of development, and focus will be placed on this area of acute care in this financial year; this will include audit against KPIs.
Places of Safety: This subgroup is exploring options for the most appropriate alternative Places of Safety to Emergency Departments. The subgroup has asked HSC Trusts to identify proposals for alternative Places of Safety within their estates.
Approved Social Work (ASW) Service: This subgroup is completing analysis of the HSC Trusts’ progress against implementation of the ASW Quality Standards, including available ASW workforce. Options to improve support for ASWs are due to be developed further with the Chief Social Work Officer. To improve communication and access to ASWs, ASW leads have agreed a telephone contact (response time) within 1 hour.
Medical Assessments Capacity: An options appraisal paper has been developed with two potential options for how capacity in relation to medical assessments can be maximised. However, any changes to Medical Assessments would require legislative change therefore this work is currently on hold.
Mental Capacity Act (MCA) considerations: Officials had been scoping provisions both within Part 2 and reviewing Part 9, to better understand the implications of commencing, in collaboration with Department of Justice officials and Department Solicitors Office. However, the recent UK Supreme Court judgment on what constitutes a Deprivation of Liberty has required resources to be dedicated to work on that area, which will impact the pace at which future implementation can be considered.