McNulty raises home care cuts at Southern Trust board meeting

Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has spoken at the Southern Trust's May board meeting about plans to reduce home care provision, warning that families in the Newry and Armagh area are already struggling with care packages being cut or removed. The BBC has reported that the Southern Trust is planning to reduce the time carers spend on visits and the number of visits some patients receive each day.

Home care allows people who need additional support to live independently in their own homes, and Mr McNulty said his office is regularly contacted by families left in a desperate situation following changes to their care arrangements.

"Because of the vital importance of home care provision in enabling families to care for their loved ones, my office is consistently inundated because care packages have been cut or removed by the Southern Trust. Families come to me devastated, at their wits end, and really worried about how they will be able to provide the care their loved ones need. The recent decision to cut carer hours can only exacerbate this problem."

McNulty said the cuts could have a particular impact on patients in rural communities, and called on both the Southern Trust and the Department of Health to provide clarity on how quality care will be maintained.

"People deserve stability and certainty regarding these vital packages. Health outcomes are better for people who can be cared for and retain their independence at home. The Southern Trust and the Department of Health must outline how they are planning to ensure patients continue to receive the prompt, quality care they deserve."