Ulster Unionist Party Health spokesperson John McCallister has welcomed the publication of a new dementia strategy for Northern Ireland by the Department of Health, but has expressed his concern at the news that there is no money to implement it.
The South Down MLA commented:
“I welcome the publication of the new dementia strategy for Northern Ireland by the Department of Health, but I am deeply concerned to learn that the Department does not have the money to implement it. The Ulster Unionist Party raised concerns that Health would not receive the necessary funds in the 2011-2015 Budget during the last Assembly and sadly we are now seeing that we were right to be concerned.’
“Dementia is one of the biggest public health issues Northern Ireland is facing with over £230million each year already being spent on care for sufferers. Much of this is spent on private residential and nursing homes and hospitals with the rest going towards informal care costs. Many families are already forced to foot a significant share of the costs for their loved ones care.’
“With an ageing population in Northern Ireland it is highly important that we have the services in place to support the elderly.’
