To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the resettlement scheme for patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

There are currently 7 individuals remaining in Muckamore Abbey Hospital. Two of these have resettlement plans in place with expected discharge dates in January 2026, and one patient is expected to transfer to an alternative hospital placement. Planning is continuing to finalise suitable community placements for the other 4 individuals.

Work to complete the resettlement of the remaining patients continues to be overseen by the Regional Resettlement Oversight Board, chaired by Dr Patricia Donnelly. The Oversight Board meets on a fortnightly basis and their work is informed by ongoing engagement with key personnel from the relevant Trusts, providers of community resettlement accommodation and patients and their families and advocates.

As the hospital population continues to reduce, the staffing position at Muckamore is being kept under ongoing review and Dr Donnelly has asked the RQIA to work with the Belfast Trust to monitor on-site services.

My focus remains on ensuring that services at the hospital can continue to be provided safely, and that any contingency arrangements that may be necessary to facilitate this are in place. The primary purpose of any such arrangements will be to ensure the safety and well-being of the remaining patients. These contingency arrangements are considered at meetings of the Regional Resettlement Oversight Board, and will be discussed with patients and families should they be required.