Alliance says stop failing older people on mental health issues

9.40.28am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 13th Aug 2007

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has challenged the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to provide a concrete timeframe on the implementation of the Bamford Review on mental health. His call comes as Age Concern today published a report stating that government is failing older people on mental health matters.

Opposition MLA, Mr McCarthy, said: "The Minister has had the Bamford Review sitting on his desk since he took office in May. Its time that we saw some action on implementing it.

"I am very disturbed by the findings of today's Age Concern report stating that government is failing older people. I am also very worried that Northern Ireland's rates for mental health problems among this section of society are 25% higher than the rest of the UK. Depression and dementia are massive issues amongst older people and improved services are necessary to alleviate these problems.

"I would however like to take this opportunity to praise our local mental healthcare staff for the good work they do. They often have to work in difficult conditions and are under high levels of pressure - the implementation of Bamford Review will also be of great assistance to them in their jobs.

"The Minister must set out a concrete timetable to delivering improved mental health services locally."

ENDS