To ask the Minister of Health why independent hospital staff were not included in the £500 HSC Staff Recognition Payment for independent and voluntary health and social care workers, given other personnel working in the independent sector were included.

The special recognition payment is a pro rata payment for HSC and is based on verified hours worked in delivering statutory health and social care over the qualifying period. While private hospitals may have delivered services on behalf of the HSC, a contribution which is much appreciated and valued, they have done so within a pricing structure agreed with the relevant Trust.

Neither the Department, nor individual Trusts, would be in a position to differentiate between hours delivered by an individual on behalf of the HSC and those in caring for wholly private treatments. Private hospitals are therefore not currently within the scope of the scheme.