To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) his Department’s policy on freeing up hospital beds occupied by patients ready to be discharged but who decline to return home due to the absence of a care package; (ii) the average daily cost of a home care package; and (iii) the average daily cost of a day in a care home.

(i) At any one time across Northern Ireland there are a number of delayed discharges from hospital sites. These delays affect patient flow through the hospital system and the ability of Trusts to admit sick patients into beds. It also has a direct impact on those requiring a bed for elective surgery and negatively impacts ambulance waits at Emergency Departments as there are no beds to admit into. Ambulances delayed at hospitals, in turn negatively impacts on the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service’s capacity to provide essential emergency care in the community.

Due to the necessity to free up hospital beds all Trusts have brought into effect contingency measures, whereupon if a package of care essential to manage the person safely at home is not available, they are offered a contingency bed. Contingency beds offer the opportunity of safe continuing care in a care home setting. Contingency placements are provided free of charge to the service user and care home fees are waived temporarily. The use of contingency beds is appropriate at this time and fully supported by the Department of Health.

(ii) The daily cost of a home care package varies as each package of care is based on the individual's assessment of need which varies from person to person. The Northern Ireland average cost for one hour of home care is £20.36. The average weekly package is 12.7 hours.

(iii) The daily cost of a day in a care home is dependent on the individual’s assessment of need which varies from person to person. There are different categories of care within care home and some individuals may need enhanced care. The Northern Ireland average cost of a contingency bed is £220 per day.

Also, to note that in recognition of the regional shortage of domiciliary care, I have recently announced a £70m support package for social care providers and hospices. This funding will help independent sector organisations deal with rising costs from the start of the new financial year, particularly forthcoming minimum wage increases.