Wilson highlights challenges facing those waiting for home care packages

Gareth Wilson MLA has pledged to continue fighting for improved domiciliary care services after securing an adjournment debate in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the growing pressures facing patients, families and carers across Newry and Armagh.

Speaking during the debate, Mr Wilson highlighted the severe challenges facing those waiting for home care packages and the impact that shortages are having on vulnerable people, hospital capacity and family carers. Mr Wilson commented:

'Since becoming an MLA, few issues have been raised with me more consistently than the lack of available domiciliary care support for vulnerable people across Newry and Armagh.

I have met families who are desperately trying to balance work commitments with caring for elderly parents. I have spoken to relatives coping with incredibly difficult diagnoses such as Alzheimer's who simply want to keep their loved ones safe, comfortable and living at home for as long as possible.

The figures presented during the debate demonstrate the scale of the challenge facing our area. At the end of March 2026, there were 799 people waiting for a domiciliary care package in the Southern Trust area, the highest figure in Northern Ireland. Of those, 764 people were waiting for a full package of care.

The consequences extend far beyond those individuals waiting for support. When care packages are unavailable, patients who are medically fit to leave hospital are forced to remain in beds that should be available for others. In 2025, delayed discharges due to the lack of home care provision rose to 358 at Craigavon Area Hospital and 228 at Daisy Hill Hospital.

What is even more alarming is that the longest discharge delays reached 66 days at Craigavon and 131 days at Daisy Hill. That means people who were fit to return home remained in hospital for weeks and, in some cases, months because the support they needed simply was not available.

This is not a criticism of frontline staff. Domiciliary care workers perform an invaluable role and deserve enormous credit for the work that they do every day. They support some of the most vulnerable members of our society and are a crucial part of our healthcare system.

However, we cannot ignore the growing pressures facing the sector, particularly in rural constituencies such as Newry and Armagh, where geography and travel distances create additional challenges. Rural residents should not be disadvantaged when accessing essential care services.

I welcomed the opportunity to place these issues firmly on the Assembly agenda and to hear directly from the Health Minister. I will continue pressing for action to ensure that vulnerable residents can access the care they need, when they need it, and that our health service is equipped to meet future demand.'

During the debate, Health Minister Robbie Butler confirmed that as of 2 November 2026 there were 658 outstanding domiciliary care packages across the Southern Trust area, including 238 in the Newry and Mourne area, and acknowledged the significant workforce and funding pressures facing the sector.

Mr Wilson added:

'The Minister's acknowledgement of the challenges is welcome, but families need to see progress. I will continue working with constituents, care providers and the Department of Health to make the case for the investment and workforce support that domiciliary care services urgently require.'