To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether all assessed mobility equipment needs in care homes are being met in full; (ii) to detail how compliance with (a) the Nursing Homes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005; and (b) the Regional Nursing Home Minimum Care Standards 2015, is monitored in respect of mobility equipment provision.

Responsibility for ensuring that residents have appropriate equipment is shared by individual care home providers and the HSC Trusts who have placed them. Providers are required to assess residents’ needs on admission and on an ongoing basis and to ensure that suitable equipment is available to support residents’ safety, dignity and independence. HSC Trusts must ensure that residents have access to regular key worker reviews to ensure resident’s needs are being appropriately met. This includes regular reviews on issues like equipment.

There is no central system within the Department to confirm that all assessed mobility equipment needs across all care homes are met in full at all times. However, compliance with regulatory requirements regarding the provision of appropriate equipment forms part of routine inspection and monitoring arrangements undertaken by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). Where deficits are identified, providers are expected to take prompt remedial action.

Compliance with:

the Nursing Homes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 is monitored by RQIA through a programme of announced and unannounced inspections. During inspections, RQIA assesses whether providers comply with requirements relating to safe and effective care, including the availability and suitability of equipment needed to meet residents’ assessed needs. This includes consideration of moving and handling equipment, maintenance arrangements, staff training, and risk assessment processes. Where non-compliance is identified, RQIA may make statutory requirements and recommendations, and providers are required to submit action plans demonstrating how compliance will be achieved and sustained.

the Regional Nursing Home Minimum Care Standards 2015 are also assessed by RQIA as part of its inspection framework. Inspectors review residents’ care records, observe practice, and speak with residents and staff to determine whether appropriate mobility aids and equipment are available, in good repair, and used correctly. Failure to meet the Minimum Care Standards in relation to mobility equipment provision may result in regulatory action, including follow-up inspections and, where necessary, enforcement measures.