Health Minister committed to helping people with learning disabilities

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has said that he remains committed to helping people with learning disabilities to live as independently as possible.

The Minister was speaking following a visit to Strickland’s Care Village in Bangor, where he was able to see first hand how the Village is supporting people with disabilities in the local community.

Strickland’s Bay is home to a number of adults who have been resettled from Muckamore Abbey and are now living in the community with 24 hour care and support. The Minister met with staff, before visiting the facility’s supported living unit, Strickland’s Bay, and nursing unit, Stewart Memorial House, where he was introduced to a number of tenants with physical and learning disabilities.

Michael McGimpsey said: “Since becoming Health Minister, I have made learning disability one of my main priorities. Strickland’s Care Village is an excellent facility which gives tenants the opportunity to live in a supportive community with dedicated staff and appropriate care, while still enjoying their freedom and independence.

“I remain fully committed to helping people with learning disabilities to live as independently as possible in the community by ensuring the resettlement of patients from long-stay hospitals into the community. Facilities like Strickland’s Care Village play an important role in this work.

“I have been impressed by the high standard of care and support provided by staff at Stickland’s. I congratulate the management and staff for their efforts and achievements to date.”

Strickland’s Care Village is also home to people with neurological conditions such as Huntington’s Disease. After meeting tenants in Stewart Memorial House, the Minister emphasised his commitment to improving disability services through the development of a new Disability Strategy, which is expected to be issued for consultation later this year.

He said: “The aim is to develop a strategy to improve outcomes and support for those with a physical disability or communication or sensory impairment. The strategy will focus on a person-centred approach to treatment, care and support and will be a key tool in shaping future services for all people with a disability.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Strickland’s Care Village is situated in Bangor, Co. Down. It is set in a 10 acre site with views of Belfast Lough and Co Antrim. The site has been in continuous use since 1890. The aim of Strickland’s and the NIID is to provide the highest standards of person centred care and support, promoting independence and integration with the local community. There are 118 staff employed at the Care Village.

2. Strickland’s Care Village, which includes Stewart Memorial House and Strickland’s Bay, provides care and support for people with disabilities, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and Brain Injury.

3. Stewart Memorial House is a nursing unit and provides care for 30 physically disabled young adults. Strickland’s Bay is a group of 25 one and two bedroom apartments and cottages for people with disabilities who require support and/or domiciliary care on a long term basis.

4. Active Discharge Teams have been set up in each of the HSC Trusts to manage and oversee the discharge of patients from the three learning disability hospitals Muckamore Abbey Hospital, Longstone Hospital and Lakeview Hospital. A Regional Resettlement Team oversees the work of the Active Discharge Teams and coordinates and ensures the application of the resettlement programme.

5. The Department is currently developing a draft Disability Strategy, which aims to improve outcomes and support for those with a physical disability, communication and/or sensory impairment.

6. A multi-agency, multi-disciplinary Project Team has been established to support DHSSPS officials in the development of the Strategy. Membership includes representatives from DE, DCAL, OFMDFM, DRD, DSD, NIHE and DEL, as well as HSC professionals, commissioners, voluntary and community organisations and service users.

7. Pre-consultation events have been held with a wide range of disability groups to inform the development of the Strategy. It is anticipated that the draft Strategy will be launched for full public consultation later this year.

8. Media enquiries should be directed to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.