ACCESS issues for carers in Lisnaskea has been brought to the fore as a disabled pensioner has spoken out about how the 12th of July parade has impacted his care package.
Noel McCaffrey, a wheelchair user who lives alone in Lisnaskea told the Herald that carers visiting him on Friday will have to undertake a 40 mile detour.
Mr McCaffrey is visited five times a day by private NHS funded carers. Last week it was brought to his attention that due to 12th July celebrations in Lisnaskea traffic disruption was expected.
“I was informed on Sunday night that my carers and nurses may be unable to get to me. I’m on IV antibiotics. They had been informed that the town was to be closed from 9am – 6pm.
“The carers also have about eight other patients in the area that they will have difficulties getting to. To get to me they have to go via Carrybridge, Derrylin and back into Skea, a round trip of 40 miles.”
Mr McCaffrey outlined that there are various care organisations supporting residents in the Lisnaskea community, some of whom are elderly and rely on home carers calling in at set times each day. “Aside from myself there are a lot of older people that carers can’t and won’t get to,” he said. “It’s a terrible indictment in this day and age that we are getting back to 1690 and ruling the whole place.”
Mr McCaffrey was made aware of travel issues on Sunday and since then he said Enable Care, have confirmed that two carers will be available to provide cover and will stay with him for several hours. It is believed that in order to reach Mr McCaffrey on Friday the carers will undertake a 40 mile detour route. It is understood nursing teams will also be able to make it to Mr McCaffrey but may be required to park and walk a considerable distance.
Referring to arrangements for emergency medical care a spokesman for the Police said, “Anyone with urgent necessity to access the town, in the event of a medical emergency for example or for people requiring medical attention, will be facilitated by police at the earliest opportunity.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere