The centre is part of the Enler project and will provide 50 day care places for senior citizens. The Minister also confirmed a further £0.6million to provide new equipment and logistical support for the centre.
Welcoming the project Mr McGimpsey said “This investment in the Enler Project will enable the service provision for the current Millar’s Lane Day Centre for Elderly People to increase from 30 day care places to 50. This will deliver a range of benefits to meet the wider needs of the Ballybeen community. This will provide high quality, modern and fully accessible facilities for the elderly including those with mobility aid requirements in an acceptable location and as an integral part of a larger community development.”
Commenting on the recent local and political attention given to this project, Michael McGimpsey added: “This has been a well publicised issue which has been given full and very speedy attention within my Department.
“I take my responsibilities as the Health Minister very seriously and in fact have been very open and honest about the position of this project within my Department at every stage and for all requests made.
“Ultimately health is about saving lives and I want to continue to work with all parties to deliver the best health services for the people of Northern Ireland including wanting to see older people being supported to live with dignity and safety in their own homes for as long as possible. Day services have an important role in achieving that aim, not only in terms of practical support and inclusion for the older person but also in terms of the respite it can provide for carers. This development will offer better quality support to more people.”
Notes to Editors:
- Final decisions on timing of the Enler Project will be taken once the business case process is completed.
- The Enler Project is a community partnership project in the Ballybeen Estate which is being commissioned by the Department for Social Development. The proposal is to develop the site in the centre of Ballybeen where Enler House was located to provide a mixed use building comprising retail units, an elderly day care centre, offices, community space, and a recording studio.
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