To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of staff required to safely deliver a full overnight respite stay in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.

Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) are responsible for the planning and delivery of respite/short break services, aligned to assessed needs. Within both Children’s and Adult Services respite/ short breaks are provided within the person’s own home or alternatively respite/ short breaks can be provided within statutory and independent sector facilities.

Within short break facilities staff are required to safely deliver short break care. The number of staff required to safely deliver overnight care within the South Eastern Trust will vary depending on the type of facility and assessed need of the children or adults who are availing of a short break.

Detail regarding a defined number of staff is therefore not possible. Staff required will flex up or down depending on need and service requirements. Staffing ratios are in keeping with minimum standards for the relevant service or facility, as established by the Regulation Quality and Improvement Authority. Required staffing is outlined in standards such as the Minimum Standards for Children’s Homes, Care Standards for Nursing Homes and Residential Care Home Minimum Standards.

The number and ratio of staff to residents is calculated using a method that is determined by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority. Students and volunteers working in the home are not considered in the overall staffing calculation.

There are arrangements within short break facilities to provide cover at all times by appropriately qualified, trained and experienced practitioners. Where necessary, appropriate administrative and ancillary staff are employed to ensure that standards relating to food and meals, transport, laundry, cleaning and maintenance of the premises and administration are fully met. There is a qualified, trained and experienced person in charge of short break facilities at all times.