Recommendation R69: Needs-based staffing with acuity measures
From Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry Report, published 18 June 2026.
Recommendation
Staffing should be based on service user needs rather than a fixed budget, using daily acuity measures designed specifically for units caring for people with learning disabilities. These should include enhanced supervision requirements, personal care support and therapeutic activities. Service managers should receive weekly reports of data of the staff hours needed per day per ward or facility. Monthly reports of these figures should be published by ward or facility by the Department of Health (DoH). This should apply to all facilities in which people with learning disabilities are resident, including private and third sector provision.
Government response
No government response to this recommendation is on the record yet.
Delivery
No statement on delivery from Health and Social Care Northern Ireland or Northern Ireland Executive has been found in the sources searched (last checked 22 June 2026). This is separate from the response above.