SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has highlighted concerns at the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the provision of domiciliary care in the South Derry area. The Mid Ulster MLA questioned the Health Minister on the level of support provided by his Department during the Assembly ad hoc meeting last week.
Mr McGlone said, “The provision of domiciliary care in the south Derry area has been particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Some parts of South Derry, particularly the Moneymore area, and east Tyrone, the Ardboe and Stewartstown area, have become black spots for service delivery of domiciliary care.
“A number of constituents have been in touch with me concerned that services have been withdrawn and are no longer provided to them. Those constituents deserve and are still entitled to those services.
“I have written to the Health Minister on this issue and raised it again in the Assembly.
“Despite assurances that additional funding has been provided to Health Trusts to address the shortage of domiciliary care workers the Minister was unable to provide a time frame for resumption of the services.
“No-one underestimates the difficulties of providing these services in a pandemic. But they are vital services for those in our society who rely on them to keep safe and well in their homes.
“I will continue to lobby the Minister and the Trusts to ensure these important services are properly resourced at all time.”
ENDS
Your MLA 