§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the average waiting time between the occupational therapist's recommendation of a through-floor lift and the installation of the lift in(a) the South and East and (b) the North and West Trust areas in the last 12 months. [98474]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe average waiting time in South and East Belfast Trust area in public sector housing is three months for terminally ill clients and over one year for others. For private sector housing this is 3–5 months if the building work is undertaken by the client and over one year where an application is made for a Disabled Facilities Grant. In North and West Belfast Trust area the average waiting time is 4–5 months.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many requests for through-floor lifts in(a) the South and East and the (b) North and West Trust areas were made in the last 12 months; and in which areas such lifts are still to be installed. [98475]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe need for through floor lifts is normally identified following an assessment of an individual's needs and home environment by an Occupational Therapist. During the last 12 months South and East Belfast HSS Trust identified a total of 33 clients requiring a through floor lift although 10 clients later withdrew from the scheme. Four lifts have still to be installed by the Trust. In North and West Belfast HSS 17W Trust area 37 clients were identified as requiring a through floor lift in the last 12 months and 22 lifts have still to be installed by the Trust.