To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 3397/10, for his assessment of the adequacy of the consultation undertaken prior to the decision being taken to merge Dorothy Gardiner and Rathlin wards at Knockbracken.

Prior to deciding to merge Dorothy Gardner and Rathlin Wards, the Belfast Trust consulted with user and carer representatives and senior staff from within mental health services and carried out an Equality Impact Screening Assessment. They also consulted publicly in early 2009 about their proposal to reduce the reliance on inpatient beds by enhancing community mental health services. These proposals were accepted.

The Trust has agreed to consider further the provision of a female-only ward if acute provision can be reconfigured to accommodate this suggestion. In this regard the Trust has had further representation from interested parties.