Community Statistics for Northern Ireland 2007/2008 published

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety today published the 2007/08 Community Statistics for Northern Ireland.

The Community Statistics publication shows activity data analysed by Programme of Care (POC). The publication includes comparisons over the past five years.

Key facts and figures

• At 31 March 2008, 22,599 people were in receipt of Home Help services, with over two thirds (69%) of these people aged 75 and over.
• 5,755 people were in receipt of meals at 31 March 2008.
• 95% of people with a sensory impairment (Blind, Partially Sighted and Hard of Hearing) who had contact with providers during 2007/08 were living in the community.
  At 30 June 2007, there were 21,833 people benefiting from care management in Northern Ireland.
• Between 31 March 2004 and 30 June 2007, the number of people benefiting from care management increased by 12%, from 19,481 to 21,833 respectively.

Elderly Care POC

• At 31 March 2008, there were 174 residential homes for elderly people in Northern Ireland providing 3,706 places.
• There were 16,169 elderly people in Northern Ireland benefiting from care management at 30 June 2007, over 4 in 10 (6,681) of whom were receiving a domiciliary care package.
• Over 80% (18,562) of people in receipt of a home help service were in the Elderly Care POC.

Mental Health POC

• At 31 March 2008, there were 45 residential homes solely for people designated mentally ill, providing 595 places.
• During 2007/08, there were 16,933 people designated mentally ill in contact with trusts.
• At 30 June 2007, 1,374 people designated mentally ill were benefiting from care management.

Learning Disability POC

• At 31 March 2008, there were 75 residential homes in Northern Ireland solely for people with a learning disability providing 898 places.
• Between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2008, 9,460 people with a learning disability were in contact with trusts.
• There were 2,574 people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland benefiting from care management at 30 June 2007, 42% (1,086) of whom were being supported in their own homes.

Physical Disability / Sensory Impairment POC

At 31 March 2008, there were five residential homes in Northern Ireland solely for people with a physical disability / sensory impairment, providing 65 places.

1,556 people with a physical disability / sensory impairment were benefiting from care management at 30 June 2007, three quarters (1,161) of whom were being supported in their own homes.

Notes to Editors:

1. All publications are available on line at: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-cib/stats-cib_pubs.htm

2. About the data

Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSC Trusts up to 30 September 2008.

3. This statistical bulletin was produced by Community Information Branch, DHSSPS. Further information is available from:

Community Information Branch,

Internet: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-cib/stats-cib_pubs.htm

4. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.