Absence of domicillary care packages in Mid Ulster 'a big concern'

Local SDLP Patsy McGlone says he has never seen the situation so bad and demanded urgent action from the authorities.

Mr McGlone said he had received queries from concerned constituents worried about loved ones being discharged from hospital without a proper care package in place.

He said Stewartstown, Pomeroy and Ardboe areas were impacted along with Moneymore.

The continuing pandemic has contributed to the problem in that some care workers have had to self isolate resulting in staff shortages.

“Some have been sorted out but others remain outstanding,” he said. “These people have a deep appreciation of their carers and understand that people can be sick and isolating.

“However, in some cases this has gone on for two months which is unacceptable.”

He pointed out that he has raised the matter with the Northern Trust and tabled a priority question in the Assembly asking the Health Minister how many packages of domiciliary care are currently not being delivered in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust due to staff shortage and absence and what measures are being taken to address this situation.

Mr McGlone said he is still awaiting a response from the Minister. He said the absence of care packages has a knock-on effect in that patients cannot be discharged from hospital unless a package is in place.

He said these patients then take up beds which could be used by other patients, particularly now during the Covid-19 crisis.

“It is a big concern in this area at the moment and action needs to be taken to sort it out,” he added.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: “The Department is aware of the challenges facing domiciliary care providers and is working with the HSC Trusts and independent providers to consider how these can be addressed.

“The Minister has allocated additional funds to all Trusts, including the

Northern Trust, to recruit additional social care staff over and above existing complements.”

A Northern Health and Social Care Trust spokesperson said it was in communication with families to provide alternative support where required.

They said: “There are ongoing challenges regarding the provision of domiciliary care due to widespread community transmission of the COVID-19 virus, particularly in the Mid Ulster locality.

“The NHSCT is maintaining communication links with families to provide alternative support where required.”

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