During the Assembly Health Committee today (4 June), NI Hospice confirmed that they were denied funding by the Department to provide additional respite care. This was despite the Minister stating that £3.7 million of the total fund remained unspent.
Ms McAllister said: “I have been working with families across Northern Ireland who are in dire need of respite facilities for their child, but too often are faced with delay and excuses from health trusts as to why these services can’t be provided.
“This issue became centre stage with the BBC Spotlight documentary ‘I am Not Ok’ in 2024, with families bravely showing the reality facing children with complex needs. The consequent announcement of a recurring £13.1million to fund respite services was warmly welcomed at the time, with the hope of finally seeing improvement in provision.
“Today, NI Hospice confirmed they previously told the Department they could provide respite services in the Children’s Hospice if funding for an additional bed was forthcoming, but were rejected.
“That over a quarter of the £13.1m funding could be unspent in 2025-26, while families are calling out for help and NI Children’s Hospice is offering solutions, is diabolical.
“We have a Health Minister who is repeatedly decrying the lack of financial resources in his Department, yet when experts within the sector come forward with solutions, they are simply refused.
“This situation cannot be repeated again next year. It’s essential the Minister works with the Children’s Hospice to ensure that funding is secured and additional respite services can be provided.”
Ms McAllister said: “I have been working with families across Northern Ireland who are in dire need of respite facilities for their child, but too often are faced with delay and excuses from health trusts as to why these services can’t be provided.
“This issue became centre stage with the BBC Spotlight documentary ‘I am Not Ok’ in 2024, with families bravely showing the reality facing children with complex needs. The consequent announcement of a recurring £13.1million to fund respite services was warmly welcomed at the time, with the hope of finally seeing improvement in provision.
“Today, NI Hospice confirmed they previously told the Department they could provide respite services in the Children’s Hospice if funding for an additional bed was forthcoming, but were rejected.
“That over a quarter of the £13.1m funding could be unspent in 2025-26, while families are calling out for help and NI Children’s Hospice is offering solutions, is diabolical.
“We have a Health Minister who is repeatedly decrying the lack of financial resources in his Department, yet when experts within the sector come forward with solutions, they are simply refused.
“This situation cannot be repeated again next year. It’s essential the Minister works with the Children’s Hospice to ensure that funding is secured and additional respite services can be provided.”