To ask the Minister of Health (i) what continuity of care provision exists to enable a client user, who has moved to a neighbouring Health and Social Care Trust area, to maintain the services of their existing respite provider; and (ii) for his assessment of the importance to a child with severe learning difficulties of maintaining a relationship with a respite provider they have used for many years.

Each transition across the region is considered on a case by case basis.

(i) Trusts work collaboratively to ensure continuity of care for clients transitioning across regional boundaries. There is a standardised approach to contact the client and family, ensure assessments of need are shared and updated, and provide opportunities to meet new staff and independent sector providers. In addition, multi-disciplinary input is sought to consider options in maintaining existing respite and wider health and social care providers.

(ii) For those with complex needs, adults or children, it is important to maintain relationships with staff and respite providers throughout transitions. This must be balanced against the assessment of need, growing complexity and value for money considerations.