Enhancing Clinical Care Framework (ECCF) published

A framework has been published to ensure a more integrated approach to meeting the clinical needs of care home residents.

In June 2020, the then Health Minister, Robin Swann, announced plans for the development of a new framework to enhance existing nursing, medical and multidisciplinary in-reach into care homes.

The central aim of the Enhancing Clinical Care Framework (ECCF) is to ensure those living in adult care homes have access to the clinical and wellbeing support they want, and need, to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Maria McIlgorm, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “Having engaged with residents, their families, staff and those providing support, we know that people living in adult care homes do not always have equitable access to the clinical care they need, when they need it, to maintain their health and wellbeing. This is in common with other jurisdictions.

“This Framework aims to address this.

“Our ultimate ambition is to ensure people living in care homes can equitably access the same range of responsive and preventative healthcare available to those living outside care homes, as part of an overarching, holistic approach to their health and wellbeing.”

The Framework, which was officially launched at an event in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, sets out the four key areas within which this approach should be focused:

• prevention;
• an anticipatory approach, self-management and early intervention
• urgent and emergency care
• palliative and end of life care.

The Framework also sets out the system enablers required to ensure those working in a care home environment feel empowered, and have the suitable skills, training, and access to career development opportunities.

Peter May, Permanent Secretary, said: “I am pleased to present this ambitious and comprehensive Framework that recognises the challenges faced within care homes, some of which are longstanding.

“There has been a noticeable change in the characteristics of the care home population. People are living longer, which is to be celebrated, but many are doing so with more complex health and care needs than would previously have been the case.

“Whether living in their own home or in an adult residential or nursing home, individuals should receive the highest standards of care that holistically address those needs.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Enhancing Clinical Care Framework (ECCF) document can be accessed on the Department of Health website.
2. The proportion of the population aged 65 and over has increased by 24% from 2011 to 2021. While people living longer is a positive reflection of our overall health, the number of people who live in care homes living with severe frailty has risen and the care needs of individuals have become greater. Many people living in care homes now live longer with multiple conditions, including long-term physical and mental health problems.
3. In June 2020, former Health Minister Robin Swann asked the then Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland to coproduce the framework with the independent care home sector to be available for future COVID-19 surges, and enable continuing safe, high quality and person-centred clinical care within care homes.
4. A strategic, regional forum will be established to work in partnership with stakeholders to oversee and progress the Framework’s implementation.
5. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
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7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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