26 April 2012

Policy Framework Launched For Adults Living With Long Term Conditions

Health Minister Edwin Poots today launched a Policy Framework for adults living with long term conditions.

The event was hosted by the Long Term Conditions Alliance Northern Ireland (LTCANI) at the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Belfast.

Speaking at the launch the Minister said: "The Policy Framework 'Living with Long Term Conditions' will help drive the modernisation of services for adults living with long term conditions and their carers. It sets out clear principles and good practice for those who are planning and delivering those services.

"This Policy Framework has been designed to be relevant across a wide range of long term conditions and for all care settings. It aims to help commissioners and providers in the statutory, independent, voluntary and community sectors plan and deliver more effective services to support people with long term conditions and their carers."

The Minister spoke of the challenges presented as an increasing number of people in Northern Ireland live with one or more long term conditions and of the need to look to opportunities to develop high quality services through, for example, the new model of care proposed in the report of the recent review of Health and Social Care and the use of telemonitoring technology.

(CD/GK)