SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone has warned that the Health Minister is failing to properly address the shortage of home care in the Northern Health Trust. The SDLP Mid Ulster MLA was speaking after receiving written answers to questions he asked the Health Minister in the Assembly.
Mr McGlone said: “The latest figures for people waiting for all, or part, of their agreed home care package in the Northern Health Trust shows the same story as every year. Too many people are waiting too long for delivery of this necessary care.
“At the end of July 2025, in the Northern Trust area nearly 1000 people were still waiting for delivery of all, or part, of their home care package.
“We are rapidly approaching the winter months when the pressure on the availability of home care will increase further, particularly in rural areas.
“Given the recent figures, I asked the Health Minister what steps he was taking to improve the provision of home care in the Northern Trust area. His response was to refer to the Trust being at the “preparatory stage” of a 2 year reform programme for home care.
“We have been here before and the Minister knows it. We have had reviews and reforms, but no improvement.
“The fundamental problem with the availability of home care workers is the difficulty the Trust has in recruiting younger people into the profession and retaining experienced staff.
“Most people agree that the way to improve that is to provide a structured career path, fairer pay, and better conditions of employment.
“Only 20% of home care staff are currently employed by the Trust, the remaining 80% are employed by the private sector.
“Retaining staff in the longer term would also help the Trust to improve the balance between public and private sector.
“The Health Minister and the Trust should be focused on reforming, and investing in, these elements of home care delivery. By passing the buck to the Trust, the Health Minister is failing to properly address the shortage of home care in the Northern Health Trust and across the North.
“The SDLP will continue to hold him to account for the failure to provide a health service fit for purpose.”
ENDS
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