Dementia move at Skeogh House is welcomed

Speaking after a meeting with the chief executive of the Trust, the SDLP representative said it was “vital” that adequate provisions are made for the growing number of people with “this awful disease”.

Mrs Kelly said it was particularly worrying because the demographic landscape was changing to reveal an ageing population with more people presenting with dementia-type illnesses.

“Worringly, the Southern Area Trust has revealed that there has been an increase in the number of younger people showing signs of dementia, particularly among those with complex medical needs and chronic alcoholism,” she said. “It is therefore vital that adequate provisions are made by our health service to treat people with this awful disease and we very much welcome the Trust’s promise to improve dementia services in our community from Skeagh House.”

Her comments were enforced by SDLP Banbridge Council candidate Louis Boyle who also welcomed the Trust’s commitment to develop dementia services in Skeogh House.

“Having campaigned vigorously against the closure of Skeogh House in Dromore, the SDLP is delighted at the Trust’s commitment to develop dementia services in this facility for people with this illness in our community,” he said. “The Trust’s promise to evolve dementia service delivery from Skeagh House is a sign of its faith in the staff at this facility and is a credit to their hard work, dedication and abilities.

“This news will be welcomed by the many families in the Upper Bann area who are often placed under immense pressure caring for a loved one with dementia.

“We hope these new local services will really improve life for both dementia sufferers and their carers.”