Concerns have intensified following reports of providers withdrawing services, care packages being reduced, and hundreds of people still waiting for the support they need to remain safely in their own homes.

Speaking on the issue, Carla Lockhart MP said:

“Domiciliary care is one of the most vital services in our community, yet it continues to be treated as an afterthought. The pressures we are now seeing, particularly within the Southern Trust, should come as no surprise. This crisis has been building for years.

I regularly raise the issue of delays in care packages, the number of people receiving inadequate support, and the impact this has on families. When care is not available at home, people end up in hospital or cannot be discharged when they are ready, placing even greater strain on an already overwhelmed health service.

Concerns about reduced call times only add to that pressure. It is not sustainable, and it is not fair on those who rely on this care.

Domiciliary care workers are undervalued and underpaid. Many are now dealing with rising fuel costs as they travel between visits, effectively paying out of their own pocket to do their job. That is not sustainable and is driving people out of the sector.

If we are serious about fixing our health service in Northern Ireland, then we must be serious about investing in domiciliary care and properly supporting the workforce delivering it. It is essential to helping people stay at home and keeping the wider system functioning.

I started my career as a home help and have seen first-hand the value of this work. Despite that, the sector continues to face underfunding, staffing pressures and a lack of recognition.

The Health Minister needs to get a grip of this situation, and quickly. Without urgent action, the system will simply not cope.

I have written today to the Minister and to the Chief Executive of the Southern Trust seeking an urgent meeting to discuss how services will be sustained and properly resourced.

Many people have already been in touch with me about these issues, and I will continue to raise their concerns. If you have been affected, I would encourage you to get in contact so that your experience can be heard and acted upon.”