Who is the real funder of social care?

Editorial Department • Published 17 Nov 2011 13:00 Comments 1 Comment

Share this

Cutbacks in public services are inevitable during times of austerity such as we are experiencing at present but is it not the case that you prioritise those in real need, rather than taking away support from the most vulnerable?

We constantly hear of numerous examples of hardship affecting those who have been experiencing difficulties in their lives and generally deserve respect and support.

This week, we report in this newspaper about a cancer victim who has had a leg amputated and had the use of a motability car. However after driving it for several months, she was told it was being taken away from her and according to her, without any explanation.

On the day the lorry arrived to take away her car, she burst into tears.

It's an understandable reaction from someone who has suffered serious trauma in her life and who lives in a rural area where there is no convenient public transport service.

It's an example of a vital service for a vulnerable person, being taken away. Other examples could also be home helps being cut from visiting elderly people who remain in their own homes. In these cases, surely this is the cheapest system of looking after the elderly rather than admitting them to expensive residential or nursing homes?

We hear quite a lot from government ministers declaring how important the elderly are in our communities, and especially so as people are living longer. Many of these people have lived through tough times and so are remarkably resilient but surely they are deserving of the best of our health and social care services.

Cuts in public services especially in health and social care, are emotive issues for many people. And in many cases, the public have already contributed to many admirable fundraising ventures which are designed to support the needy in our community.

An example of that is the Horizon West Children's Hospice which is shortly to open at Killadeas. The Northern Ireland Children's Hospice relies on public donations to raise almost £3 million each year run their service. Horizon West fundraising began three years ago and in that short time has raised more than £1 million to build the new hospice but will need much more to keep it running. Despite all this public fundraising the government and other health trusts provide just £500,000.

Without the generosity of the public, our communities would be sadly lacking many of the services which are vital for the wellbeing of so many people in need of them. Perhaps the government can look again at their priorities, and bring more comfort to the vulnerable.

The public can voice their concerns at a public meeting on health issues in Enniskillen Townhall on Monday at 5.15pm.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 17 Nov 11

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

hitandrun19
3 posts
Nov 17, 14:30
Report comment

It is very sad to hear about the lady in question's treatment - surely if there are cuts to be made, it should not be done in such a way as to completely isolate a person who has gone through considerable trauma! Hopefully the decision will be reversed - or her community will rally round to help her! Good luck!

Recommend? Yes 0 No 0

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Opinion archives.