To ask the Minister of Health to detail the rationale as to why none of the additional £13.1 million allocated for respite care has been allocated to the NI Children's Hospice for short break respite provision.

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT)

The BHSCT assessed that the NI Children’s Hospice did not have the specialist provision for children with a severe learning disability, which was a significant factor in the Trust’s decision regarding allocation of additional funding.

Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT):

The NHSCT allocated none of the recurrent funding to NI Hospice, however the NI Children’s Hospice were included in the underspend proposal for 25/26, £40k non-recurrent money for NI Children’s Hospice. From that, the NHSCT spent £32,500 which amounts to 26 nights. This was used for children who do not normally receive respite in the NI Children’s Hospice.

The NI Children’s Hospice have a regional contract, which is managed by Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) in my Department and the Trust uses the facilities with this funding.

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT):

The SEHSCT identified a number of priority spend areas which were consistent with the ministerial priorities. These were to enhance short break provision, as well as strengthening behavioural and therapeutic support for children and families in the community.

The NI Children’s Hospice has an existing funding stream through my Department and consequently it was not deemed a priority by SEHSCT for the identified ministerial spend.

Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT):

The SHSCT allocated £35k non-recurrent in 2025/26 to the NI Children’s Hospice, which provided a total of 28 nights.

Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT):

There is an access criterion in place for NI Children’s Hospice Services, which the Trust understands is for ‘Children who are deemed by a medical professional to be either end or life or with a life limited illness.’ Referrals must be made by the Children’s Community Nursing Team.

During 25/26, the WHSCT Children’s Disability Team procured 93 overnights at a cost of £1,250 per night. Total expenditure during 25/26 was £116,250. This was funded non-recurrently from underspend from the WHSCT’s Children With Disabilities Funding. These beds are in addition to services provided via the NI Children’s Hospice regional contract.

For the 2026/27 financial year, the Western Trust has allocated a budget of £60,000. The Western Trust has been advised that the cost of an overnight has increased to £1,300 which will allow the Trust to procure 46 nights.