Urgent action needed to tackle care package backlog - Kimmins

The Sinn Féin health spokesperson was reacting to news that over 700 patients in the Southern Trust area were waiting for care packages.

Liz said: “The news that over 700 patients in the Southern Trust area are waiting for a domiciliary care package is deeply alarming.

“Behind this number are hundreds of families, worried about getting proper treatment to help their loved ones.

“Staff in the domiciliary care sector do amazing work for so many vulnerable people in our communities but they are stretched to breaking point.

“Staff shortages are an issue across our Health Service, and the shortage of these care workers in particular can create bottlenecks which heaps further pressure on our hospitals.

“I raised the issue of recruitment with the Southern Trust in our recent meeting with them and it’s vital that they work to recruit staff, particularly domiciliary care workers to fill the vacancies that exist locally.”