DUP MLA Gareth Wilson raised concerns about domiciliary care provision in Newry and Armagh during questions in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday. He highlighted a trend of inconsistent delivery of care packages in the rural constituency. Wilson also noted a provider's decision to reduce services for elderly patients in Markethill and nearby areas.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt stated he lacks specific plans for rural areas in Newry and Armagh. He outlined plans applicable across Northern Ireland and recognised greater challenges in rural locations compared to urban ones. Nesbitt emphasised workforce expansion as essential to health and social care delivery, including domiciliary care.

The minister prioritised introducing the real living wage to retain staff and attract recruits. He listed workforce as the key element after buildings, beds, equipment, and medicines for service provision. Nesbitt aims to build community capacity to shift care from hospitals.

Wilson asked if reliable rural domiciliary care would ease hospital bed pressures. Nesbitt agreed and linked it to last winter's issues, when over 400 patients waited in emergency departments for admission due to occupied beds. More than 500 patients in those beds were fit for discharge.

Armagh City Banbridge Craigavon Council agreed on Monday to summon Southern Health Trust officials for meetings. A councillor reported over 800 people waiting for domiciliary care packages in the Trust area.

Wilson told reporters he would keep pressing the minister and Trust to maintain care packages, especially in rural areas.