To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 9453/22-27, for an update on the Public Health Agency's development of a regional protocol in relation to the notification and management of Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood.

The ongoing work into the development of the Regional Protocol on Sudden and Unexpected Death in Infancy and Childhood (SUDIC), led by the Public Health Agency (PHA), is being informed by extant guidance, policy and experience to date across the UK relating to the surveillance and investigation of child deaths.

Whilst the focus of the work primarily relates to the HSC, the PHA is working closely with key stakeholders from other agencies including the PSNI and Coroner’s Office to optimise collaborative working to better understand the circumstances surrounding the death of any child up to 18 years of age who dies suddenly and unexpectedly. The new SUDIC Protocol is currently in final draft and is being tested by stakeholder organisations.