Minister to consider Western Trust recommendations

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

The Trust made a number of recommendations at its Board meeting in Londonderry today, including proposals around daycare services and residential homes for the elderly.

The Trust is now proposing that three residential homes in Omagh, Lisnaskea and Derry will continue to provide care to residents but will no longer accept new permanent admissions. It has further proposed that Greenfield Home in Strabane will remain open and accept permanent residents.

Following the meeting, the Minister said: "The Trust proposals will now come to me for consideration and I will make my decisions quickly. I am aware of the high level of public concern in relation to all Trusts' proposals. I have always stated that, where there is no consensus, final decisions will be taken by me.

"One issue which has caused considerable anxiety has been proposals to close statutory residential homes. Throughout the consultation period, I have made it clear that no residential homes will close unless there is suitable alternative provision, which is of the same or higher quality than that which is currently provided. I am encouraged by the Trust's decision to change a number of its recommendations in light of the responses to its consultation."

Turning to proposals for the provision of day care services, the Minister said:

"The Trust has taken account of the views and concerns of the local community and is recommending that it does not now go ahead with its proposal to reduce day care provision in a number of centres.

"However, the Trust is proposing to proceed with the decision to merge services in Omagh and also in Strabane as it believes this will not result in any reduction in services to those who attend the centres."

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