AQW 24314/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health whether he has any plans to increase inpatient bed capacity for mental health usage.
Asked by Nuala McAllister MLA on 12 March 2025
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 12 March 2025
- Answer due by
- 28 March 2025
- Answered
- 28 March 202516 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
All Trusts are experiencing significant pressures as a consequence of increased demands upon services, including increased number of new referrals, increased complexity and acuity of people presenting to services and increased workforce pressures as a result of increased vacancy levels.
There are currently 393 commissioned inpatient mental health beds for the region. My officials keep demand and occupancy under review, however at this time there are no plans to increase inpatient bed capacity.