‘Families finding it difficult to cope due to lack of Day Care respite facilities,’ says MLA

SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly raised concerns at a recent meeting with the Southern Health Trust Chief Executive Shane Devlin.

She said: “I’m being contacted on a regular basis by individuals and families who are finding it very difficult to cope with the lack of support in caring for loved ones. Day-care services not only provide respite for carers but also play a key role in enabling a person’s recovery. It was very upsetting to learn that currently the Trust may only be able to provide a maximum of 10% of pre-COVID service provision.

“As a former Occupational Therapist and Day-care Manager I know the critical role this service provides. This simply won’t suffice, creative thinking is needed,” she said adding that she will be meeting with Mr John McEntee, Assistant Director of Disability Services.

A Trust spokesperson said: “Daycare services within the Trust reopened on the 6th July at 10% capacity of current attenders who have a Learning Disability. This reflects the current challenges to achieve necessary social distancing, appropriate infection prevention and control, ensuring appropriate allocation of designated areas for donning and doffing of PPE. The initial reopening phase for Daycare extends from 6th July – 24th July with a reopening of an additional 8 Day Care centres planned for 27th July building up to 50 % capacity.

“It is anticipated that all those requiring Day Care services will resume as part of Phase 3 of the Rebuild plan. Community Teams and Day Care staff will continue to work closely with all service users, families and carers to ensure services reopen in a safe manner for all involved. Service users not attending day care will be offered a range of alternative supports.”

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