Southern Trust homecare model ‘failing’ as more staff leave than join

The Southern Trust’s homecare model is failing while vulnerable people remain without the care they need, the Independent Health and Care Providers (IHCP) has warned. The intervention follows confirmation from Health Minister Mike Nesbitt that more staff are leaving the Trust’s homecare service than joining it. IHCP Chief Executive Pauline Shepherd said: “The Minister’s answer confirms that the Southern Trust is losing more homecare staff than it recruits while unmet need continues to grow. A spokesperson for the Southern Trust said: “The Southern Trust is experiencing significant demographic pressures with the number of older people rising at a faster rate than any other Trust area in Northern Ireland. As a result 76% of Trust Home Care staff now have guaranteed hours contracts and 24% have chosen a bank contract.