Written Answers to Questions - Northern Ireland Assembly

Friday 20 July 2012 Written Answers
Abuse in Hospital or Care Home Settings
Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what measures he is
taking to ensure that people with a learning disability do not suffer abuse in hospital or care home
settings.
(AQW 13570/11-15)
Mr Poots: My Department, in conjunction with other agencies, continues to develop measures aimed
at safeguarding all vulnerable adults, including older people and people with a learning disability, in
hospitals and care homes. Such measures include:
■ Implementing the changes to disclosure and barring arrangements for preventing unsuitable
individuals from working with vulnerable groups;
■ Development of a service framework for the health and wellbeing of older people; and
■ Development of a safeguarding vulnerable adults training programme targeted at the voluntary,
community and independent sectors.
In addition, the Health and Social Care Board, together with the Northern Ireland Adult Safeguarding
Partnership (NIASP):
■ Launched a training DVD which addresses the phenomenon of abuse of vulnerable adults in care
settings;
■ Are reviewing current regional adult protection operating policies and procedural guidance by the
NIASP;
■ Are planning a conference aimed at the acute sector, including hospitals, which will focus on adult
safeguarding and will take place later this year.
The Future of Adult Care
Mr McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the reasons
for the delay in publishing the discussion paper on The Future of Adult Care and Support in Northern
Ireland; and for his assessment of the impact of this delay.
(AQW 13571/11-15)
Mr Poots: It is widely accepted that issues such as an ageing population, increased public
expectations and a difficult financial climate are putting adult social care provision in Northern Ireland
under increasing pressure. If we are to meet the challenges that these issues present, change is
needed, and that is why I have committed to a three stage process of reform to identify the future
direction of adult social care.
Reform of this scale poses a significant challenge, and while I recognise there has been some delay in
publishing the first stage in the reform process, it is important that we take the time to ensure that the
discussion document covers all the key issues, and is capable of promoting meaningful discussion and
debate. It is my intention to publish the discussion document before the end of August, which will be
followed by an extensive consultation phase aimed at reaching as many people as possible.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Treatment Equipment
Mr McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to 13163/11-
15, to detail the type of cancers that were treated by Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Treatment.
(AQW 13572/11-15)
Mr Poots: The Health and Social Care Board have informed me that information on the types of cancer
that were treated with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Treatment is not collected centrally, and can only
be obtained at disproportionate cost.
WA 558