Michael McGimpsey visited the unit today and met staff and patients.
The minister said: “I know that services provided at Inver House are highly valued by the local community. I also fully appreciate that when families have relatives who need rehabilitation or palliative care it is a huge bonus if they can be accommodated in their local area.
“I am therefore pleased to announce that 18 beds will be retained here at Inver House and the unit will continue to provide rehabilitation and palliative care. Not only will services be maintained, but facilities will be refurbished to improve surroundings for those using Inver House in the future. The upper floor of Inver House will be converted to provide a facility for the relocation of rehabilitation teams working in the Larne area.”
The minister added: “All of this is good news for the local community and particularly for those using the facility.
“For the longer term I can reveal that there will be a Health and Care Centre in the Larne area. While it is too early today to be specific on the detail of the design, it will provide a valuable focal point of Health and Social Care services to the community.”
Praising the role of the local community, including the Northern Board and local political representatives, in contributing to the development of rehabilitation and palliative care services in the area, Michael McGimpsey said: “This development is the result of a consultation process initiated by the Northern Board. I am pleased that they have been able to develop this proposal which has the support of the community and local medical staff.
“I am confident that direct access to the services provided in Inver House will improve health and care outcomes for patients. Additional community care packages will also ensure that no-one who is well enough to leave hospital will have to remain in hospital.”
Notes to Editors:
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