To ask the Minister of Health to detail the contingency plans in place for hospitals which report being at full capacity.

Trusts have published their winter and surge plans which set out in detail planning at a Trust level. Each Trust has identified actions to release further acute beds should they be required. Importantly, HSCB is coordinating and managing the system across the region. This includes critical care, respiratory care and wider unscheduled pressures. Additionally, ambulance smoothing is being undertaken when required, to divert patients away from the sites under most intense pressure.

HSCB is also working alongside the PHA and the Trusts to encourage timely discharge this winter to free up hospital beds. I recently announced a £23 million funding package for domiciliary care and care home staff, which will facilitate increased capacity across the social care sector this winter and assist with timely discharge.