Conor D McGuinness: Calls to Prioritise Rural Elder Care and Safety

Conor D McGuinness warned that rural communities are being asked to live with higher risk, weaker services and slower responses and called for that to stop. He urged that rural people be listened to, that the issue become a political priority and that older people be taken out of harm's way and action taken.

Main message

McGuinness argued that rural communities are being expected to accept greater danger and diminished public services, and that this situation must end.

Services and response

He identified weaker services and slower emergency and public responses in rural areas as driving increased risk for residents.

Older people at risk

He emphasised that older people are particularly vulnerable and must be taken out of harm's way, with their situation recognised and addressed.

Political priority and action

He called for the issue to become a matter of political priority, for rural communities to be listened to and for tangible action to follow.