Ulster Unionist MLA for North Antrim Robin Swann has called on the Health Minister Jim Wells to intervene and reverse the decision to close Northern Ireland’s only dedicated Multiple Sclerosis respite service at Dalriada Hospital.
Robin Swann said;
“Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates of MS in the UK. The 12 bed respite service at Dalriada Hospital is an absolute lifeline to patients and their families and therefore it has come as devastating blow to them, as well as the local community in Ballycastle, that this service is effectively being privatised out to the independent sector. The Northern Trust claims the decision is temporary but very few people actually believe that.
“The Health Minister has spent recent days trying to distance himself from the decision. The reality is that the Minister is ultimately accountable for the Trusts and that if he genuinely wanted to, he could reverse this scandalous decision. The Trusts spend the money he gives them and deliver the policies which he sets; ultimately they are answerable to, and take final direction, from him.
“In fact there has been precedent set in which a Health Minister can reverse decisions of a Trust. Last year after a barrage of criticism Edwin Poots, the then Health Minister, did a U-turn and ordered the Health Trusts to drop the planned widespread closures of residential care homes. I am now calling on Jim Wells to do the same thing now.
“If the DUP and Jim Wells are serious about protecting this key respite service, then they will step up to the mark and take meaningful action. If they do not then it is clear that their protests are nothing more than cheap words to give them political cover.
“I, along with Jo-Anne Dobson and Michael McGimpsey, have now tabled a motion for debate in the Assembly calling on the Minister to reverse the decision. It will test whether Jim Wells genuinely believes this service should be protected or not. I call on all Parties and MLAs to support our call for the Health Minister to intervene to protect this crucial service.”
Ulster Unionist Assembly Motion:
Closure of MS Respite Centre at Dalriada
That this Assembly notes the decision to close the Regional Multiple Sclerosis Respite Centre at Dalriada Hospital in Ballycastle until March 2015 and transfer the service to the independent sector; notes the importance of appropriate respite provision for patients and their families; believes the decision to be entirely wrong and one which makes no financial sense; fears the decision will result in the permanent closure of the unit; and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to reverse the decision and immediately reinstate the service at Dalriada.
Mr R Swann
Mrs J Dobson
Mr M McGimpsey