Minister to consider Northern Trust recommendations

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

Following a Trust board meeting today, to discuss proposals to deliver its 3% efficiency savings, the Northern Trust is recommending that three residential homes in Larne, Rathcoole and Antrim would remain open. In relation to the remaining two homes in Greenisland and Ballycastle, the Trust is proposing to replace them with new modern facilities.

Following the meeting, the Minister said: "All of the Trust proposals will now come to me for consideration and I will make my decisions quickly

"Under the Trust's recommendations three residential homes will remain open which I know will be welcomed by residents, families and carers. The Trust also proposes to replace Rathmoyle in Ballycastle and Greenisland House with new accommodation. I know that the Trust has given an assurance that no changes would happen at Greenisland and Rathmoyle until alternative provision is in place.

"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 have always stated that, where there is no consensus, final decisions will be taken by me."

In relation to proposed changes to acute hospital services, the Minister said:

"The Trust has recommended that the changes to acute inpatient and Accident and Emergency services at Whiteabbey hospital would happen within the current Comprehensive Spending Review period (2010/11) and that the hospital would continue to provide a wide range of services. Services at Mid Ulster hospital are not proposed to change before 2012. However, the Trust has said that, as with all services, this will be subject to patient safety being maintained. New health and care centres are also planned for the Mid Ulster and Whiteabbey hospital sites.

"For any of these proposals to happen, significant investment will be required in Antrim and hospitals in the Belfast area to enable them to manage the additional demand on their services."

Turning to other proposals around children's, learning disability and mental health services the Minster noted that the Trust had made a recommendation not to close Cherry Lodge respite unit for children with physical and learning disabilities.

He said: "I know that this recommendation, together with the Trust's proposal that Princes Garden children's home will remain open until enough foster carers are in place will also be welcomed by the local community."

Notes to Editors:

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