Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has welcomed the launch of the consultation on the reform of Northern Ireland’s adult social care system.

Alan Chambers said:

“Adult social care is hugely important. It allows people to live life to the fullest, and for many, remain as independent in their own home for much longer than would otherwise be possible. The pandemic however not only shone a spotlight on the sheer importance, but also the serious frailties of the service.

“For too long far too much has been expected of too many. I welcome the determination Robin Swann has shown in supporting and strengthening the sector, including the additional £23m support package he delivered last November which is already making a huge difference.  

“It’s clear however that the sector also requires fundamental and long-term reform. The consultation that is now underway is so extensive that I suspect it is even more far reaching and ambitious than many in the sector expected it to be.

“These reforms lay a clear roadmap towards a new social care system which is fit for purpose, one that properly supports its staff and service users, and which is robust enough to meet the often complex and changing needs of some of our most vulnerable in society.

“The Ulster Unionist Party has always said that we would use our time in the Department of Health to deliver on our key priorities of improving waiting times, stabilising the HSC workforce, transforming mental health services and reforming our social care system. This consultation is one major step towards delivering the social care system that we all now so greatly need and deserve.”