Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has expressed grave concern over the uncertainty surrounding the future of respite services in the West for children with complex needs.
The SDLP representative said he was “deeply worried” to learn that parents and carers of children with complex needs had recently been told by representatives of the Western Health Trust that they could guarantee respite services on the scale that they were currently being provided.
Mr Durkan said while he understood the “very real budgetary challenges” facing the health sector, he was “extremely concerned” that any reduction in respite care for families in Derry would have a “colossal impact” both on children’s health and the health of their carers.
He added: “Parents and carers are anxiously waiting for a decision to be made on the future of respite care.
“Respite care is a lifeline for many families caring for a child with complex needs, it gives them a short break that is ultimately needed to ensure the mental health and wellbeing of the carer is also protected.
“These parents and carers are saving the health service thousands of pounds by providing the daily care their children desperately need.
“Without an adequate respite programme for these families, the Trust could be putting at risk the mental and physical wellbeing of these carers.”
He concluded: “I will be working closely with the Trust to get some answers in relation to the future of the service without delay to alleviate the despair and anxiety these families are experiencing.”
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