Write a commentJustin McNulty, MLA for Newry and Armagh has praised the efforts of health care workers who braved the snow and cold over recent days to care for many elderly, vulnerable and ill people at home and in our hospitals.
Mr McNulty said, 'This week has stretched our public services to the limit, including the enormous efforts from our roads service personnel out gritting the network day and night. Whilst school's have shut for very genuine reasons, hospitals and those who provide care in the community had to continue working around the clock.'
'The public are deeply indebted to those who work in our health services, from the hospital consultants to the porters. However I have to single out a group of people who I have nothing but the highest admiration for and that is those who provide personal care in the community.
'Time and time again I have heard story after story relayed to me about how carers parked their car at the end of a lane and walked up to a mile in the snow to make sure an elderly resident got a hot meal or their medication. In some cases the Mountain Rescue and Coast Guard were on hand to help out but in many incidents these folk, often women went about their work unaided.'
‘On behalf of the entire community I think it is only right we say thank you for your time, commitment, dedication and compassion to those in our community who rely on you everyday, hail, rain, snow or sunshine."
