‘This is simply not sustainable’: Durkan calls on Health Minister to develop support for staff as fuel costs rise
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has called on the Health Minister to urgently review mileage rates for health staff providing care in the community, in light of rising fuel costs.
Mr Durkan has written to the Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt calling for collaboration with Executive colleagues to develop urgent support for staff, many of whom, he said, feel they are being ‘priced out’ of their roles.
The Foyle MLA commented: “The rising cost of fuel is having a real and growing impact on people right across our community.
“From farmers and hauliers to small businesses and working families, the pressure is being felt everywhere. But I am particularly concerned about those in professions that rely on being on the road every day such as our domiciliary carers, district nurses and health visitors.
“These health staff provide essential services across our communities, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our society to live independently and with dignity. Yet many of these workers are already underpaid and rising fuel costs are placing an additional burden on their already stretched budgets.
Mr Durkan said that he had spoken to one such agency worker who, he said, was being paid 20p per mile, while her car costs £2.16 per mile to run.
“Essentially, she is covering 90% of her fuel costs. That is totally unacceptable.
“If the Executive fails to act now, we risk pushing more workers out of the sector at a time when demand for care is only increasing. That would have serious consequences not just for the workforce but for the individuals and families who rely on these services every day."