Doctors Call For Better Support For Carers, Northern Ireland

"Support for carers must be increased as a matter of urgency", said Dr Paul Darragh, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland Council as the BMA launched its policy 'Supporting carers and young carers in Northern Ireland' today, at the start of the BMA's annual conference in Brighton.


There are around 185,000 people throughout Northern Ireland who provide help and support to frail or ill family and friends. This saves the Northern Ireland economy approximately ??3.12billion.


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 are a 'carer'.


Dr Paul Darragh continued,


"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.


"BMA(NI) believes that there is an excessive burden placed on carers and that 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".


Anyone could become a carer. However this publication from the BMA 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.


Chief Executive of Crossroads Caring for Carers, Mrs Christine Best said,


"Crossroads Caring for Carers (N.I.) Ltd provides 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.


"It is essential that young carers need to be identified so that their caring responsibilities do not impact on their physical and emotional development.


"Young people should not be taking on a care role due to a lack of available services for their family member. Young carers and their families need to be aware of the options available to them and know how to seek help, advice and support".


Dr Darragh concluded,

"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.


"BMA looks forward to working constructively with the Minister to improve the lives of carers in Northern Ireland".


Notes


The BMA Northern Ireland policy 'Supporting carers and young carers in Northern Ireland' can be downloaded here.


Summary of recommendations


1. Recognition and value
Carers must be identified and the value of carers must be recognised and respected in light of their contribution, knowledge and skills.


2. Partners in care

Medical professionals, carers and care recipients must work together as partners in care.


3. Tailored information

The provision of comprehensive, tailored information about individual treatment plans, community services and support networks is essential.


4. Service coordination

Effective coordination between primary, secondary and community care, social services, and other specialist services within the voluntary sector is essential to enable carers to access services.


5. Flexible support

The provision of localised support services must be flexible with a strong input from the carers themselves.


6. Increased respite funding

Increased specific funding for easily accessible respite care is necessary to alleviate pressures on carers and to offer a freedom of choice in accepting caring responsibilities.


7. Quality healthcare

Carers must be enabled to access quality healthcare services for themselves.


8. Training

Training is needed to enable carers to enhance their skills and manage their caring role.


Key recommendations for young carers


9. Identification

Young carers must be identified and supported in order to protect their freedom of choice and to prevent any adverse affect on their educational, social or personal development.


10. Education

Young carers must be supported in their education.


11. Health

Young carers' personal health must not be neglected.


12. Accessible information

Information and support must be readily available, specific to the needs of young carers.