Concern after RQIA board resigns
Robin Swann says it is a matter of regret this has happened "at this most difficult time".
The board of the watchdog which inspects care homes in Northern Ireland has resigned.
Health Minister Robin Swann expressed regret at a decision linked to the handling of the pandemic.
And in a statement the Department of Health said it very much regretted the resignations and at no point did it seek to undermine the board.
The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) has played a key role in the struggle with coronavirus over recent months.
Mr Swann said: "Following a number of recent resignations of non-executive directors, I will be considering the position of further interim appointments over the coming days.
"It is a matter of regret that a number of former board members decided to resign at this most difficult time.''
Home residents have been most vulnerable to Covid-19. A total of 186 deaths have been in residential or care homes.
Mr Swann added: "I fully appreciate that this has been an extremely challenging period for everyone across the health and social care system.
"I believe the reasons cited for the resignations could have been addressed to the satisfaction of all concerned and I would place on record my thanks for their service.''
The minister has appointed Christine Collins as the new interim chair.
An RQIA spokesperson said changes to the board membership have no impact on its day-to-day work.
The spokesperson said: "We are grateful to our staff for their continued commitment to delivering on RQIA's priorities.
"Throughout this time our staff have worked tirelessly and consistently with colleagues across the health and social care system - as an integral part of the regional response to support services during the Covid-19 pandemic.''
Sinn Fein Stormont health committee chair Colm Gildernew said he was extremely concerned.
He said: "I am calling on the minister of health to come forward and explain the circumstances which led to this unprecedented action by the health and social care regulator, in the middle of a public health pandemic.
"It is essential that the minister of health urgently explains to all the services and service users who rely on the RQIA to function, how the role of the regulator will continue to provide vital services to support and inspect health and social care services.''