The minister acknowledged the 'substantial' number of families on waiting lists across Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's Health Minister has announced plans to improve respite services for children with disabilities.
Mr Nesbitt said demand has outstripped supply "for some time" with a "substantial" number of families on waiting lists. He said additional funding won't deliver expanded services alone, and said sufficient staffing levels are needed. “I have been clear that the situation is not sustainable. I believe the funding I have announced will deliver improvements in a matter of months. I expect clear and measurable improvements in short breaks, but this is also about providing a much greater level of support in the family home.
Mr Nesbitt said gaps in short breaks provision had become an increasing issue of concern for his Department and the wider HSC system. “In discussions with my Department, Trusts have highlighted the scale of the challenges in delivering services, which will take time and investment to address. However, I am pleased to report each Trust indicated that several supports could be rapidly expanded to provide the space for medium term actions to improve short breaks capacity.”
Health Department Of Health Family Disability Rights
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
£2.5m Funding Boost for Northern Ireland's Sustainable Energy ProgrammeEconomy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a £2.5 million funding increase for the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP), aimed at supporting low-income households in improving their energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Read more »
Northern Ireland Executive On Track To Meet Revenue Target Without New FundingThe Northern Ireland Executive is projected to achieve its £113 million revenue target within two years, as outlined in a new budgetary plan. This achievement comes without the need for additional funding measures.
Read more »
Northern Lights Offer Stunning Display in Northern IrelandStargazers in Northern Ireland had a spectacular opportunity to witness the Northern Lights on Thursday night due to increased solar activity. The Met Office predicted a strong chance of visibility, allowing locals to experience this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
Read more »
NI boss O'Neill offers update on Ronan Hale switchRonan Hale is in the process of switching from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland
Read more »
NSPCC Helpline Celebrates 10 Years Supporting Adults with Child Safety Concerns in Northern IrelandThe NSPCC Helpline, which provides advice and support to adults concerned about the safety and well-being of children, marked its 10th anniversary in Northern Ireland this month. Since opening a base in Belfast in 2014, the helpline has grown from six to 43 employees and made nearly 6,000 referrals to local agencies.
Read more »
Report reveals scale of birds of prey kills in Northern Ireland'Wildlife crime, which includes raptor persecution, is a blight on the Northern Irish countryside'
Read more »