I am a parent with two disabled young adults who rely heavily on nursing and home care services. Despite the complex nature of their health and social needs, which require 24/7 attention, we have found that direct payment carers have been allowed to perform nursing tasks at home - without prior legislation, consultation, or in some cases appropriate training. This practice has continued for the past two years in our case, and possibly more, without any formal, legal justification or regulation and at odds with the Carers and Direct Payments act NI 2002

Our situation is not unique. Across Northern Ireland, many families depend on nursing home carers subsidized by the Direct Payment/Self Directed Care legislation. Unfortunately, we have just found out that these carers are being tasked with specialized nursing duties with full knowledge of trust staff ilegally, often when they have even completed full training through their appropriate channels. Risking the health of the individuals they care for and straining their limited resources. It also leaves parents, such as myself, without respite, creating a precarious balance that is unsustainable and unsafe.

In the interest of maintaining the highest quality of care for our loved ones, we demand that all Health Service Trusts within Northern Ireland amend their Direct Payment/Self Directed Care legislation and in turn the 2002 legislation. They must require home carers to be suitably trained by the trust to perform specified nursing tasks within their current roles, ensuring that health and social care needs are fully met within the Direct Payment budget. 

Enforcing this legislation would not only improve health outcomes for those who depend on home care but would also alleviate the immense pressure on families who currently bear the brunt of this system's shortcomings. It will also cost much less than employing a nurse whose services are in high demand nationally. 

By signing this petition, you support the call for legislative action to authorize and facilitate appropriate training for home carers in directed nuraing tasks, ensuring every individual in need receives the comprehensive, skilled care they deserve.

And giving families and individuals the right to chose who they have care for them, the time that the care takes place and the freedom to travel and have days out with their own care staff.

 Please do not wait. Sign this petition today and make a difference.