Minister Hoctor At The Official Launch Of The North West Inner City "Friendly Call Service" Project, Ireland

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 21 May 2008 - 5:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Minister Hoctor welcomed the opportunity to officially launch the North West Inner City Friendly Call Service.

The "Friendly Call Service" is a free and confidential telephone alert/good neighbour service for older people and those who feel vulnerable. People using the service will be either self referred or referred by other Agencies working with these sections of the community.

Once a person registers with the service, they will receive a daily telephone call, at a pre-arranged time to check on their well-being, remind them on their medication taking and any pre-arranged appointments they may have that day.

"I am particularly impressed with this service", said the Minister. "As well as providing this call service, it plans to use its existing outreach volunteers to follow up on any issues that arise from these daily calls to each participant. It will directly contact relevant agencies to provide early warning of changing needs and will link in with other service providers, such as social services, health, housing and advice services".

The Minister was pleased to lend her support to this project which she says "will provide an invaluable service to the older and more vulnerable people living in the North West Inner City community".

Minister Hoctor concluded by congratulating the local community of the North West Inner City and the local Agencies for their contribution to this very worthy project and for their tremendous dedication.

Department of Health and Children