To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what contact he has had with staff and families of patients who are receiving care in Dalriada Community Hospital, for needs other than Multiple Sclerosis Respite care, in respect of (i) the nature and timescale of their treatment; and (ii) plans to provide an alternative to care in Dalriada Hospital.

Northern Health and Social Care Trust senior management attended Dalriada Hospital on Thursday 30 October and took time to speak 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.

The Trust will continue to do all it can to communicate with stakeholders to ensure everyone understands the decisions being taken. The primary obligation is for the Trust to comply with the Court’s order of 4 December concerning the granting of interim relief on the services that were temporarily closed at Dalriada Hospital.

I have also spoken directly with staff, patients and family members.