Northern Ireland

Orange Order chief calls disabled pensioner to 'reassure' him about home-care package during Twelfth parade

Noel McCaffrey said he was "shocked" to receive a phone call from an Orange Order District Master to provide assurances about his home care package
Noel McCaffrey said he was "shocked" to receive a phone call from an Orange Order District Master to provide assurances about his home care package Noel McCaffrey said he was "shocked" to receive a phone call from an Orange Order District Master to provide assurances about his home care package

A LEADING member of the Orange Order has intervened in the case of a paraplegic pensioner who feared that a major Twelfth parade in Co Fermanagh would impact on his care package.

District Master of the Lisnaskea Lodge, Winston Keith, telephoned 71-year-old Noel McCaffrey yesterday after a story appeared in The Irish News about severe access problems professional care workers will experience in getting to the vulnerable man's home during tomorrow's event.

The town has been chosen to host the county's annual Twelfth parade, with thousands of participants and visitors expected.

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Mr McCaffrey, who lives alone and receives five daily visits from carers who tend his every need, said he was "shocked" to receive the telephone call from Mr Keith.

"He told me he was sorry that all this had happened and that he would do his best to ensure the workers would get through to me," the pensioner said.

"I think this was a very positive thing but I wish they had sorted things before now. I was so worried last week when I learned I could have been on my own all day as the town was being closed down and the care workers were told there would be difficulties. I am paralysed from the waist down and completely dependent on carers since my wife died three years ago.

"My house is only 100 yards from the town centre and the two workers said they will have to make a 40-mile diversionary route to get here. I also have a Rapid Response team who also come in to dress my wounds each day, I hope they can get here."

Enable Care Services, the private company funded through the NHS which delivers care to the Co Fermanagh widower, said it had made contingency plans to facilitate Mr McCaffrey, due to his level of need, with two employees due to stay with him throughout tomorrow.

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Mr Keith told The Irish News he plans to liaise closely with police about access issues for those requiring essential community care packages - not just emergency medical services.

"As District Master, I'm involved in the organisation of the event and we have no wish to inconvenience anyone," he said.

"I contacted Mr McCaffrey after hearing about his concerns as I wanted to reassure him that we will do our best to accommodate him and his care team, as well as anyone else trying to get through the town.

"Up to 20,000 people are expected on Friday and I will be meeting with police tonight to speak about this issue."

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