Friday, July 14, 2017

Public consultation on home care

A public consultation on a government plan to put Home Care on a statutory footing should be participated in by all families, writes Brian Byrne.

Local Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon is urging participation in the consultation, against a background of a significant increase in people seeking home care facilities.

The consultation paper can be found online at http://health.gov.ie/consultations or a hard copy can be obtained by calling 01-6354402. The closing date for submissions is 31 August 2017.

“I encourage everyone with an interest in Home Care either for themselves, or for a relative, to get involved in this consultation," Deputy Heydon says. You can have your say and help shape the future of Home Care to ensure it meets the needs of your family.

The government plan plan is to put Home Care on a statutory footing, and to make it affordable and sustainable. Regulation of the sector will also be key to the new plan. Families availing of Home Care must be assured that the services on offer are of the highest standard.

“Widespread consultation is to take place with stakeholders on the topic of Home Care and I am really pleased that the public will also get to have a say on the matter. With any new scheme it’s important that we consult with those who use the service. I know many families here in Kildare that depend on Home Care and it’s only right that they have a say."