Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has called for more support for domiciliary care, as part of a reformed and integrated health and social care system in which those providing domiciliary care could be the ‘eyes and ears’ of a truly integrated health and well-being service.

Speaking after raising the issue in the Assembly, the South Belfast MLA said she was concerned the financial allocation to domiciliary care was “paltry” as a share of the overall uplift in social care funding.

“Learning from elsewhere would dictate a better resourced domiciliary care, with improved pay and equipment, could provide the true ‘eyes and ears’ of the overall health and social care system, ensuring prevention and early intervention take place as soon as possible,” she said.

“Domiciliary care can no longer be seen as the poor relation of a system in which those providing the service are in fact a vital frontline support. I look forward to further engagement with the Minister on this issue.”