Addressing a joint conference between the DHSSPS and the Long-Term Conditions Alliance Northern Ireland (LTCANI), in the Stormont Hotel on 8 October, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey emphasised his commitment to delivering improved services for people with long-term conditions.

The minister said:

“I am acutely aware of the affect that living with long-term conditions can have on every aspect of a person’s daily life, and that of their families, in terms of both physical and psychological difficulties, reduced quality of life, and sometimes social exclusion.

I am particularly conscious of the financial burden of prescription charges, and this is one of the reasons why I decided that prescriptions will be free of charge from April 2010. This decision will ensure that people with long-term conditions will get the medications they need.”

He added:

“I have also made an additional £44 million available over the next three years to take forward the development of proactive case management arrangements and specialist nursing and treatment services. This should ensure that patients with long-term conditions are not admitted to hospital unnecessarily.

These resources will also enable us to put in place a ‘remote vital signs monitoring’ service for 5,000 patient, which will enable us to react more quickly to sudden deterioration in a patient’s condition and help patients to manager their own condition.”

The minister also acknowledged the valuable contribution the LTCANI can make in helping to improve the lives of people with chronic conditions.

Steve McBride, chair of the LTCANI said:

“We welcome the minister’s support for people living with long term conditions in Northern Ireland, particularly the recognition of the importance of self management and patient involvement. People with long-term conditions have a real contribution to make to shape the services which support them. Their input can help the health service to target resources more effectively.”