To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of applicants on a waiting list in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to avail of (i) adult; and (ii) child overnight respite care.

1). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advise that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. There are 63 children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks in the South Eastern Trust.

2). The availability of overnight short breaks is adequate for adult services. This is reflected in the fact that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. The Minister recognises that there are children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks and acknowledges the impact of this on children and their carers. There has been an increasing regional demand for access to short breaks & respite services. It is of note that emergency respite care is available for children and adults. It is provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers are unexpectedly unavailable, through illness or emergencies, or there may be a safeguarding concern which may mean that care needs provided outside of the family home.

3). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust were contacted by Department of Health officials in relation to overnight respite care providers available to applicants who live in North Down. The Trust advises that with regards to adult services they commission the Cedar Foundation to provide two facilities for overnight respite in the North Down area – Croft and Twisel Lodge. Both facilities can provide respite for those who have a brain injury, physical and sensory disability and autism. The Trust can also spot purchase respite from other independent providers as required to meet the needs of adults depending on the assessment of need.

In relation to children overnight short breaks they are offered in the Greenhill short break facility in Newcastle.

On 23rd October 2024, the Minister was pleased to be able to approve additional regional funding for the children with disability service. It is intended that this funding will assist with increasing short breaks capacity, and expanding family, therapeutic and behavioural supports. Trusts are actively engaging with Department of Health officials to finalise their proposals.