Speaking after officials appeared before the Stormont Health Committee, the DUP Health Spokesperson said:
“Today’s meeting of the Stormont Health Committee follows the BBC Spotlight “I am not OK” documentary, and has once again highlighted the severe crisis facing families with children who have learning disabilities.
The latest figures are deeply concerning - over 800 unallocated cases across Northern Ireland with almost 500 in the South Eastern Trust alone, waiting for desperately needed respite breaks.
Families in this situation are dealing with incredibly complex challenges, yet when they reach out for support, they are met with delays, uncertainty, and an overwhelmed system. It is shameful that this has been allowed to happen. Despite additional funding being allocated by the Minister in Autumn of last year, families simply are not feeling the benefit.
It is particularly frustrating that I could not get a straight answer on how many additional respite beds will actually be delivered by the £13 million investment planned over the next year. We are failing to provide the level of respite care that was available before Covid, let alone improving services to meet growing demand.
More work must be done as a matter of urgency. We need clear action to bring these waiting lists down and deliver essential respite beds for those with severe and complex needs. Families cannot afford to wait any longer.”