To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consultation his Department had with patients of the Multiple Sclerosis Respite Centre at Dalriada Hospital, and their families, prior to and following its temporary closure.

Following my budget statement on Thursday 30 October 2014, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust contacted MS service users and families from the Northern Trust area to advise them: of the temporary closure of 12 Multiple Sclerosis respite beds in Dalriada Hospital; and, that relevant key workers would be in contact to arrange appointments to meet and discuss options for their future respite care.

These initial meetings have now been completed and the Trust continues to liaise with service users as required. The Trust has also liaised with the Western Trust and Belfast Trust regarding the change.

Senior Management of the Trust attended Dalriada Hospital on Thursday 30 October and engaged with patients and staff. The Trust further met with Moyle Council representatives on Monday 3 November and attended a public meeting on the same evening. Ongoing communication is also taking place with the MS Society.

The Trust will continue to do all it can to communicate with all stakeholders to ensure everyone understands the service options now available to them.