To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps being taken to ensure that health and social care professionals regularly ask patients with life-limiting conditions about their financial concerns, especially at key stages of their care.

Across the region Trusts use a number of methods to ask patients with life-limiting conditions about their financial concerns.

As part of the Department of Health’s Case Management (2010) Guidance and using the Northern Ireland Single Assessment Tool (NISAT), an individuals’ finances are discussed on an annual basis (or more regularly as required) with all individuals. This includes those with life limiting conditions, in receipt of secondary care and known to a case manager. The NISAT incorporates a section on finances and this is covered within the initial assessment and at follow-up reviews as required. Finances are also discussed with individuals when required, specifically outside of assessment or planned reviews.

Trusts also have established long-standing partnerships with Macmillan Cancer Support in relation to their Benefits Advice Service, which referrals can be made to. The Macmillan Benefits service can advise on benefits and grants including the Macmillan grant and others. This service is offered via phone but a request can be made for face to face appointment. Alternatively, patients can contact the Macmillan Regional Benefits line. The Macmillan information and support service can advise on other forms of grant and financial support and will refer back to the Benefits Team where required.

Social Care professionals regularly ask patients with life-limiting conditions about their financial concerns, especially at key stages of their care; professionals are directed to do this via their assessment and review tools. Professionals often signpost patients to community organisations for support with their benefit applications to ensure they are getting their full benefit entitlement. In addition, social care professional staff will undertake a financial assessment with patients should they require placement in a care home environment. Consideration is also given to individuals’ financial capacity to manage their finances and legal orders are implemented to safeguard finances, when necessary.

A Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) is offered to cancer patients by their Cancer Nurse Specialist (CNS). Using the HNA, the individual can share their holistic concerns including practical, emotional, physical, spiritual or financial concerns so that the CNS can address these needs through a bespoke personalised care plan including onward referral and support. The HNA is offered at various stages along the journey as required. At diagnosis stage each patient receives a core pack of various key support services and often most cancer patients are referred to the Macmillan Benefits at this stage by their CNS to provide access to information and support at the beginning of their journey.

Clinical Health Psychology Services provide input to individuals with a number of potentially life limiting conditions, including those with diagnosis of cancer, renal, and respiratory conditions. A biopsychosocial initial assessment is conducted which encompasses all areas of the individual’s life, with clinicians being acutely aware that social issues relating to financial hardship can have a significant impact on the person’s psychological wellbeing. All sessional contacts would include a review of what other stressors may be present for the individual, outside of their condition-specific issues. When required, either direct contact with, or signposting to either hospital-based or community services to assist with financial concerns can be made.