To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the implementation of pathways for referrals to clinical psychology and mental health services for stroke patients, which was due to be completed in March 2024 as set out in the Reshaping Stroke Care Action Plan.

Clinical psychology is a core discipline in the multidisciplinary stroke team, providing direct care and supporting all members of the stroke multidisciplinary team engaged with those who experience psychological problems following a stroke.

The full implementation of clinical psychology pathways has been delayed by workforce and financial challenges. Four of the five Health & Social Care Trust funded clinical psychology posts have been vacant despite attempts to fill. Also, there is recognition that funded levels in Northern Ireland are below those recommended in the National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke, UK & Ireland in a difficult financial climate.

However, the NI Stroke Network is supporting the scoping of alternative pathways for clinical psychology intervention as well as the preceptorship model for career progression to support recruitment.