A care worker from Done mana in Tyrone has urged Stormont to provide support for staff facing high fuel costs. Kevin Brewer drives 70 miles daily across Strabane district to deliver care to patients. He works for a private company that reimburses 20p per mile.

Brewer stated that his fuel expenses have increased substantially since the conflict in the Middle East. He now borrows money to cover fuel and said his partner took a second job to help with finances. He added that colleagues are rationing heating and food to afford travel to work.

Brewer noted that many co-workers may leave domiciliary care for nursing home roles. He stressed that patients depend on these visits and face challenges without them.

The Independent Health and Care Providers group requested urgent action from the Department of Health to sustain the service.

The Department acknowledged the impact of recent fuel price volatility on health providers. Petrol prices rose from 124.8p to 154p per litre and diesel from 132.6p to 188.1p per litre after the conflict.

Stormont ministers approved a £100 payment last Thursday for households earning £30,000 or less to assist with home heating oil. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons indicated payments may take up to three months and described the amount as insufficient.