To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of people who will be affected by Connected Health’s decision to withdraw from delivering contracted domiciliary care services in rural areas; and (ii) any steps being taking to ensure these people will continue to be supported in their homes.

My Department can confirm that since 1 May 2026, Connected Health Care NI Limited/Connected Health Domiciliary Care Limited has not withdrawn any home care packages in rural areas across any Health and Social Care Trusts.

I can confirm that since 1 May 2026, Connected Health have however taken on 44 new home care packages of care across the region.

There are approximately a total of 3196 individuals in receipt of HSC Trust organised home care, via Connected Health care agencies. This figure includes both rural and urban areas.

In the event of any care agency withdrawing from a home care support package, HSC Trusts undertake a number of measures to do all they can to continue to support individuals in their own home. Whilst not an exhaustive list, steps include;

Ensuring open communication at all times with individuals affected and their family/carer as appropriate.

Confirming all efforts have been made to resolve the reason for the handback.

Requesting the existing care provider to maintain the support until an alternative provider can be sourced.

Ensuring the home care support package is immediately re-issued via the brokerage system to secure a new care provider.

In the event alternative care provision cannot be sourced immediately, the need will be added to the waiting list for home care provision and discussions with the individual and family will ensue to put contingency plans in place such as Direct Payments and family support where possible.

Each contingency plan will be bespoke to individuals.