To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether any consideration has been given to increasing transparency in the residential care sector; (ii) whether information relating to staffing levels, inspection findings, safeguarding concerns and resident wellbeing outcomes are routinely available to families; and (iii) whether further reporting requirements are under consideration.

My Department recognises the importance of transparency within the residential care home sector and supports a range of measures intended to provide assurance regarding the quality and safety of care services. All nursing and residential care homes operate within a regulatory framework overseen by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). RQIA inspection reports are publicly available and provide information on compliance with relevant legislation and standards, highlighting areas of good practice and areas where improvement is required. RQIA also maintains a public facing register of regulated services.

In addition, transparency is supported through user and family engagement in complaints procedures and safeguarding arrangements.

Information relating to inspection findings is routinely available to families and the wider public through the publication of RQIA inspection reports. This is accessible information.

Care home providers are also expected to communicate appropriately with residents and families regarding matters affecting the care, wellbeing and safety of individual residents. Information relating to staffing levels, safeguarding concerns and resident outcomes is subject to a range of regulatory and governance arrangements and is considered by providers, Health and Social Care Trusts and RQIA as part of their respective oversight responsibilities.

However, not all such information is routinely published or reported to families in a standardised format across the sector. This reflects the need to balance transparency with legal obligations regarding confidentiality, data protection and the privacy of residents and staff.

My Department keeps arrangements for oversight, accountability and transparency under review and works closely with RQIA, Health and Social Care Trusts and care home providers to support continuous improvement across the sector.

My Department recognises the value of ensuring that residents and families have access to meaningful information about the quality of care and residents' experiences. While there are currently no plans to introduce additional universal reporting requirements for care homes, opportunities to strengthen transparency and improve the information available to residents, families and the public will continue to be considered as part of ongoing policy development and service improvement work.