McLaughlin calls for no reduction in respite facilitities

Health Minister Simon Hamilton has been called on to commit to maintaining the current number of respite beds available in the Western Trust area.

The call comes from Foyle Sinn Fein MLA Maeve McLaughlin who said such facilities were vital to families caring for loved ones who were ill and their relatives.

Ms McLaughlin, chairperson of the Stormont Health Committee, added: “Given the concern about respite services, I asked the health minister to detail the number of respite beds currently available in the Western Trust area.

"Simon Hamilton said there are currently 14 beds available for respite services in the Western Trust area, in Omagh and at The Cottages in Derry.

"In recent months users and their families haveade public their concerns about the future of these much needed facilities.”

Cllr McLaughlin concluded: "It is important the Health Minister moves to allay those fears by announcing that there will be no reduction in respite services."