The Trusts consulted on plans to close 14 residential homes across Northern Ireland but a significant number of concerns were raised during their public consultations resulting in changes to the original proposals.
Mr McGimpsey said: “I was very encouraged that the Trusts changed a number of their recommendations in light of the responses and concerns raised during the public consultations. Before reaching my decisions, I have examined the recommendations and taken time to listen to the concerns of the public, residents and their families.
“I visited a number of residential homes in each of the Trust areas and was very impressed with the high levels of dedication and care shown by staff. I had always made it clear that no home would close unless suitable alternative provision is available, which is of the same or higher quality.”
In the Northern Trust area Clonmore, Lisgarel and Rosedale homes, Greenfield in the Western Trust and Ravara in the South Eastern Trust will remain open. Skeagh House and Slieve Roe homes in the Southern Trust will also continue to provide care in line with the existing number of permanent residents.
Plans for new supported living accommodation for Greenisland and Rathmoyle homes in the Northern Trust and Loch Cuan home in the South Eastern Trust will be developed in consultation with residents, families and local communities. No changes will take place until the new facilities are in place. Each new facility will require an investment of around £2.5 million.
In the Western Trust, existing residents in Foyleville, Gortmore and Drumhaw will continue to be cared for but the homes will no longer admit new permanent residents. Homes will continue to provide respite care and step-down beds for those people who need it. Any current residents who may wish to move will be supported by the Trust to do so. The South Eastern Trust will work with residents and families to provide a range of accommodation choices for people currently living in Grove House.
The Minister continued: “Residents will be given every support by Trusts to find alternative accommodation if they wish to do so. I will expect any changes to be handled sensitively and seamlessly and with the full involvement of residents, families and carers. I want to make it clear that there is no question of any residents being evicted from their homes or being expected to return to their own house.
“The Trusts have also assured me that there will be no compulsory redundancies for staff working in these homes.
“Taking account of all the issues raised, I am content to accept the Trusts recommendations. These proposals have ensured that services for older people have been given such a high profile. It is only right that the future care of our elderly population should be debated widely. Services are changing for the better and must continue to do so – that is what our older people demand and deserve.”
The Minister received recommendations for changes to residential homes from the Western, Northern, South Eastern and Southern Health and Social Care trusts.
Final decisions on the trusts’ recommendations in relation to other services such as mental health and learning disability, children and older people and acute services will be announced in the coming weeks.
Notes to Editors:
1. The 14 residential homes are:
- Northern Trust – Clonmore, Newtownabbey; Lisgarel; Larne; Rosedale, Antrim
- Rathmoyle, Ballycastle and Greenisland, Newtownabbey.
- Western Trust - Greenfield Home, Strabane; Foyleville, Londonderry; Gortmore, Omagh; Drumhaw, Lisnaskea.
- Southern Trust - Skeagh House, Dromore; Slieve Roe, Kilkeel
- South Eastern Trust - Ravara, Bangor; Loch Cuan, Newtownards, Grove House, Ballynahinch
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