‘Changes in the way some services are delivered are inevitable’ says Health Trust at SDLP meeting

During a ‘virtual’ meeting with the Trust, a delegation of SDLP politicians, led by MLA Dolores Kelly, raised a number of issues with the Southern Trust’s senior management team.

After paying tribute to the hard work of all health care workers at all levels, Mrs Kelly raised several concerns with the Trust’s Chief Executive.

‘We received reassurances that the Trust is working hard to reinstate clinics and elective surgery, however it is clear that there will be no quick return to how it used to be and we will all need to understand the constraints that staff are working under,” said the Upper Bann MLA.

“People can adapt quickly and we heard how virtual clinics, where appropriate, were well-received by patients.

“We also got assurances that those domiciliary care packages that were suspended will be reintroduced.

“However, concerns remain about the reopening of day-care services which are vital for the well-being of service users and a provider of respite for carers.

“We also discussed the increased demands on mental health services, both in staffing and bed provision, challenges remain in this critical area and I will be raising this matter with Minister Swann,” said Mrs Kelly.

The SDLP MLA was accompanied by her party colleagues on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council; Cllr Joe Nelson, Cllr Thomas Larkham and Cllr Eamon McNeill.

A spokesperson for the Southern Health Trust said: “Trust managers recently met with and briefed the SDLP delegation on the long-term rebuilding work for services which is now underway across the Trust.

“They highlighted the fact that there are no easy or quick solutions and that changes in the way some services are delivered are inevitable.

“We greatly appreciate the support expressed by the SDLP delegation for our staff,” said the spokesperson.

“We will continue to ensure that all our local elected representatives and the public are kept informed of any developments throughout this challenging pandemic period,” said the Trust spokesperson.

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