Minister to consider Southern Trust recommendations

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said he will carefully consider all the recommendations made by the Southern Trust to deliver efficiency savings.

The Trust made a number of recommendations at its Board meeting today and announced that it would no longer propose to close two residential homes for elderly people - Skeagh House in Dromore and Slieve Roe in Kilkeel.

Michael McGimpsey said: "All of the Trust proposals will now come to me and I will make my decisions quickly.

"I realise that there has been a high level of public concern in relation to all the Trusts proposals and in particular around residential homes. I know that the recommendation to keep Skeagh House and Slieve Roe open will be welcomed by residents, their families and the local community. I will consider all these proposals very carefully."

Turning to other recommendations made by the Trust including the future of non acute elderly beds, residential care for children and young people and the resettlement of people with mental health and learning disabilities, the Minister said:"I am aware that a number of the remaining proposals are of considerable concern to many in the area, including Armagh City and District Council. The Trust proposals will now come to me for consideration and I will make my decisions quickly.

Notes to Editors:

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