To ask the Minister of Health to detail the policies and protections that are in place for lone workers within health and social care settings, including for domiciliary carers.

On 12 December 2023 my department launched a new Violence and Aggression in the Workplace HSC Framework. The purpose of this framework is to outline the HSC commitment in partnership with staff

representatives, to ensure the prevention, reduction and management of violence and aggression towards staff in the workplace, and to ensure associated structures, policies and support is in place to enable staff to work safely.

This regional framework is the basis of any policies and processes developed locally by the various HSC Bodies in relation to dealing with such incidents in a diverse range of working environments, including lone working.

The regional framework is accessible on the Department’s website.

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-hsc-afc-6-2023_0.pdf