Launching a project which will pilot and evaluate advocacy services on health and social care issues for people with dementia and their carers, Mr McGimpsey said: “I believe it is the people who require our services and support who know what sort of services they need, and how and where they should be delivered. And so I want to have the voice of services users and their carers heard. Integrating those voices into the planning and delivery of services is essential when it comes to planning and commissioning services.”
Mr McGimpsey also acknowledged the importance of the role of carers in health and social care, and of community and voluntary groups in policy formulation. He continued: “The role of carers is invaluable and it is essential that they are recognised and supported in what they do. Therefore some £2million of the extra funding I have secured for health will be made available over the next three years to deliver a significant increase in respite places for those with dementia.
“The voluntary and community groups who work to support people with dementia and their carers represent a skilled, well informed and dedicated resource. I want my Department to develop even stronger partnerships with these groups, so we can work together to provide a world class health and social care system.”
The project, ‘Let me speak – help me be heard’ – is run by the Northern Ireland section of the Alzheimer’s Society.
Notes to Editors:
- The ‘Let me speak – help me be heard’ project is run by the Northern Ireland section of the Alzheimer’s society and is funded by Atlantic Philanthropies. The project will pilot and evaluate advocacy services on health and social care issues for people with dementia and those who care for them when they experience difficulties with the quality or availability of health and social care services. Contact Marian Cinnamond, Advocacy Programme Manager, tel: 028 9066 4100.
- In Northern Ireland some 16,000 people have been diagnosed with dementia, of whom about 10,000 diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
- The King’s Fund has published a recent report on the scale of the problem facing mental health services in England. The report estimates that by 2026, some 73% of the total mental health costs could be attributable to dementia.
- For all media queries, please contact DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 2841 or 07791 149246. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
