Leading experts appointed to advise on Adult Care and Support in Northern Ireland
By News Northern Ireland, , , ,

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill has appointed two leading experts in social care to help reform Adult Care and Support.

Des Kelly and John Kennedy will form an Expert Advisory Panel to work closely with the Department, providing an independent perspective on potential solutions to meet the challenges facing the care and support system and ensure it is sustainable and fit for purpose.

Speaking about the appointments, Minister O’Neill said: “This is a key step in taking forward one of the key actions laid out in Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together.

“We are only too aware of the pressures facing the adult care and support system: an ageing population, increasing expectations from people using services, and of course, a very challenging economic climate.  These are all putting immense pressure on the system that cares for the vulnerable in our society, and the people who work in that system. 

“We see it every day, but we have to stop thinking in the short term and start planning for the future. It is essential that we face up to these challenges and make the changes necessary to ensure we have a world class care and support system for decades to come.”

The Panel will begin its work by seeking views and suggestions from stakeholders through a Call for Evidence. This Call, available on the Department of Health website, will run until 23 January 2017, and is asking all interested parties to submit evidence to the Expert Advisory Panel to assist them in their work.

The Minister continued, “Des Kelly and John Kennedy are respected experts with extensive experience in social care policy and practice. I am confident that, with their help and advice, we will produce solid, evidence-based proposals for change.”

Mr Kelly (pictured) said: “We are very much looking forward to working with Minister O’Neill and her Department on this challenging issue.  All the evidence tells us that adult care and support is close to breaking point, and if changes are not implemented soon it will have devastating consequences for those who rely on it.”

Mr Kennedy added: “We will be considering a wide range of evidence on effective interventions being used around the world, but we also want to hear what is already working well locally.  We encourage all interested parties to respond to the Call for Evidence and play a pivotal role in developing options for reform.”

The Call for Evidence can be accessed on the Department of Health website.