Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Brady calls on greater health provision for older people

Published: 22 May, 2009

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh and the party's spokesperson for older people Mickey Brady told an assembly debate during a plenary session in Stormont that support for those who care for older people must be increased as a matter of urgency.

Mr Brady was speaking on a motion which called on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to reconfigure and enhance services for older people to ensure that these services are integrated, person-centred and well-staffed; that the dignity of the individual is promoted; that information is communicated effectively to patients and relatives by health professionals; that inpatients receive a nutritional diet; and that personal care is provided free of charge to all those with medical need.

Mr Brady welcomed and supported the motion, and pointed out that Sinn Féin views the introduction of free personal care for all senior citizens as essential.

"The Minister for Health has an ultimate responsibility to ensure that adequate resources exist to enable those in care homes to be properly cared for.

"The delivery of older people's healthcare services must be fully integrated and seamless across and between agencies … The recruitment and retention of adequate numbers of skilled staff must be made a priority for all agencies involved in delivering care, person-centred care must be a key element of the Service Framework for Older People's Health and well being."

"Support for carers must be increased as a matter of urgency, due to the excessive burden placed on informal carers as a consequence of inadequate funding of community care.

Mr Brady concluded by calling on the Minister to consider these issues,

"Society owes a debt of gratitude to its older people, and we must ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect in all areas of their lives."