To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of service users awaiting care packages in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust; (ii) any changes that have been made to the number of hours of care provision calls; (iii) his assessment of the current challenges for domiciliary care and the sustainability of services; and (iv) the steps he is taking in response to these challenges.

In recent weeks, the Northern Trust has found it particularly challenging to secure the delivery of domiciliary care packages from both independent sector and Trust homecare providers, which has resulted in an increase in those waiting for packages of care.

As of 1 December 2021, 439 service users were awaiting full packages of care and a further 292 awaiting partial packages of care.

The situation is particularly acute in the Mid Ulster area but the Northern Trust is also experiencing a similar emerging position in the Causeway area. Some independent sector providers, particularly in the Mid Ulster area, have raised concerns with the Trust regarding the sustainability of their services, due to challenges with both COVID and non-COVID related absence and pressures in relation to recruitment. One of the Trust’s Rapid Response domiciliary care providers temporarily reduced the number of hours available, however this is currently being increased by 10 hours per week, with the full quota of hours being implemented by Christmas.

The Trust’s internal service is experiencing similar challenges and reducing the number of calls within rotas in effected areas. Again this will be uplifted as soon as staffing levels increase.

Trust named workers are supporting service users at this time but there is limited availability of alternative provision and unfortunately many service users decline the offer of a temporary contingency bed.

There remains significant pressure across the region on domiciliary care services, as demand outstrips supply. I have recognised the need for immediate action to support the sector over the coming months and was pleased to recently announce a £23 million funding package for independent sector domiciliary care and care home staff. It is my hope that this will provide an incentive to those wanting to stay within the sector, and indeed attract new staff to the sector, with the aim of supporting increased capacity across the social care sector for the remainder of 2021/22.