AQW 50518/22-27


Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley


Tabled Date: 03/07/2026
Answered On Date: 30/07/2026
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail how patients and their families can contribute to, comment on or challenge an options appraisal undertaken by a Health and Social Care Trust in relation to the care placements of individuals with a learning disability or complex needs.


Answer:
Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) seek to take a collaborative and person-centred approach to care placement planning for individuals with a learning disability or complex needs. Patients, families and carers are engaged throughout the assessment, care planning and placement decision making process, providing key information about the individual's needs, preferences, desired outcomes and family circumstances.
HSCTs advise that options appraisals are not always required, for example when limited options are available to meet an individual’s assessed needs, safely and effectively. When options appraisals are carried out, these will consider a range of factors to review suitability. Options identified as potentially viable, will be discussed with individuals and their families.
Trusts identify placements that meet assessed needs, while striving where possible to enable individuals to remain close to their family and support networks. It is acknowledged that in some circumstances, choice may be limited. Where interim placements are required pending a longer-term option being secured, HSCTs advise that individuals and families are consulted and kept informed throughout the process.
Patients and families may comment upon or raise concerns in respect of proposed placement decisions at any stage. Concerns can be raised directly with the relevant HSCT care management team, social worker or responsible clinician. Where new information or changes to circumstances arise, requests can be made for decisions to be reviewed. These requests will be considered in line with relevant legislation, policy and governance arrangements, to ensure care provision is aligned to individual assessed need.
Individuals and families who wish to challenge a decision or the process by which a decision was reached, can also use the Trusts Complaints procedure. Where appropriate, independent advocacy services may also be available to support individuals and families in expressing their views and participating effectively in discussions. Following completion of a Trust's complaints process, individuals remaining dissatisfied have recourse to raise these issues or concerns to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.