Research Papers 2021

Synopsis:  Below you will find details of Research Publications which have been prepared by the Research and Information Service (RaISe) for the Health Committee in 2021.

The unhealthy state of hospital waiting lists

- Date: 10/12/2021

Northern Ireland waiting times have been reported to be the worst in the United Kingdom, and amongst some of the worst in Europe - even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Figures suggest that approximately one in every four people are now waiting for a first hospital consultation or procedure. Whilst radical change in this area is a must, this Research Paper seeks to unpick two issues for the Committee for Health, specifically in relation to: Gaps in how the data is reported; and, Gaps in the financing of waiting lists.

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Hospital Parking Charges Bill

- Date: 22/11/2021

This paper has been prepared to inform the consideration of the Hospital Parking Charges Bill. Its main policy objective is to abolish hospital car parking charges across public Health and Social Care hospital sites in Northern Ireland for patients, staff and visitors.

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Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill

- Date: 18/10/2021

This paper has been prepared to inform consideration of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill which was introduced to the Assembly on 13th September 2021. The Bill would require the Department of Health to create ‘safe access zones’ outside premises which provide lawful abortions or related information, advice or counselling. It would further create offences which apply to safe access zones, and empower the police to enforce these.

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Adoption: Northern Ireland

- Date: 27/09/2021

This paper provides an overview of the adoption process and the profile of children currently placed for adoption. Statistical information relating to adoption, as well as the waiting times experienced by children and prospective families are presented. The paper also considers the legislative context for adoption, and what progress has been made towards the introduction of the much-awaited Adoption and Children (Northern Ireland) Bill.

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Public Health (Coronavirus Restriction) Regulations: emergency procedures

- Date: 28/01/2021

This briefing note has been prepared following a request from the Committee for Health. It considers the use across the UK of an 'emergency procedure' to make public health regulations which, due to the coronavirus pandemic, place restrictions on a range of activities. It also considers the ability of the relevant legislatures to scrutinise these measures.

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