BMA chair Dunn appeals for greater support for carers

Chairman of the British Medical Association’s GP committee, Dr Brian Dunn, believes there is an “excessive burden” placed on the Province’s 185,000 carers and urged the government to do more to help.

He said: “Without doubt, carers make a significant and vital contribution to people’s lives and to society in general through their unselfish, caring actions. The health service also benefits enormously, not least due to the billions of pounds saved due to the unpaid care these individuals give.

“There is a huge reliance on informal carers. This is a direct consequence of inadequate funding of services in the community, which will only get worse in these financially straitened times. This has to be addressed.”

Dr Dunn’s statement came as the BMA lauched its new policy – Supporting Carers and Young Carers in Northern Ireland. The publication also makes key recommendations relating to the 8,352 children who provide up to 50 hours of care per week to sick or disabled parents and siblings.

“Carers save the Northern Ireland economy approximately 3.12billion,” Dr Dunn added. “These people are sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, partners, brothers, sisters or friends – a diverse group of individuals who do not always label themselves as a carer.

“Young carers must be supported to achieve a balance between their caring responsibilities and their rights to be children and young people. All carers have a right to access better care for their loved ones.”

Chief executive of Crossroads Caring for Carers, Christine Best said young people should not be taking on a care role due to a lack of available services for a family member. She added: “Young carers and their families need to be aware of the options available to them and know how to seek help, advice and support.We provide respite services to carers of all ages.

“Due to the specific difficulties that young carers face, the Crossroads Young Carers Project was launched in 1994 to offer social outings, befriending, and practical help to young carers as well as actively raising awareness about the issue of young carers.”