McGrath Calls For Minister To Deliver On Dementia Support
16 November 2011 |
Posted by Jim Masson |
FOLLOWING the publication of the Department of Health’s Dementia Strategy, Down District Council SDLP Councillor Colin McGrath has called on the NI Executive to provide adequate funding for those with dementia and their carers.
Councillor Colin McGrath has called on the Health Minister to secure funding for full dementia support across Northern Ireland.
Councillor McGrath, the SDLP’s local health spokesperson, said, “The number of people with dementia across the North is ever increasing and given the future demographics of Down District in particular, immense pressure will be put on the already overstretched budgets with our ageing population.
“The fact that the Minister has announced the Department of Health’s Dementia strategy must be welcomed as such a strategy has been long overdue.
“However the fact that he has announced it stating he has no money to see it through is like dangling a carrot in front of those with dementia and their families.
“I also feel that those with dementia will be alarmed to hear that the Minister is intimating reducing services and spending in care homes and acute sector provision.
“The onus is on the Minister to prove his worth and put forward a strong case to his ministerial colleagues in support of those with dementia and their families,” added Councillor McGrath.
