Skeagh House public consultation underway

The consultation period will run for 14 weeks until 18 September 2015.

The Health and Social Care Board recently approved the Trust’s proposals for local consultation in relation to the future of statutory residential homes in the Southern Trust Area.

The proposals include the permanent closure of Skeagh House, Dromore.

Meanwhile, Crozier House, Banbridge, will remain open and resume permanent admissions once consultation is completed.

Elsewhere, Business Cases have been approved by Supported Living for two new 18 bedded schemes in Armagh/Dungannon and Banbridge/Dromore.

Southern Health and Social Care Trust Interim Chief Executive, Paula Clarke said: “The former Health Minister gave a commitment that all existing permanent residents in statutory residential homes will be allowed to remain in their home as long as they wish and as long as their needs can continue to be met there and the Trust will support this commitment.

“As such these proposals do not present any change for current residents.

“We are committed to ensuring that a range of services are available to meet the needs of older people, their families and carers now and into the future.

“We appreciate that change is difficult for everyone but we believe it is essential that we plan ahead and take action to ensure that we can offer high quality accommodation and increased support choices for older people.

“I would encourage people to read the consultation documents and get involved by submitting a response that will be sincerely considered as part of the overall assessment of views at the end of the process.”

The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Claire Keatinge said: “The DHSSPS, HSCB and 5 H&SC Trusts have now addressed the concerns that the Commissioner originally raised with the Minister about proposals to close a number of Statutory Residential Care Homes.

“The process has been regionally planned, was transparent and evidence based.

“In addition, each Local Commissioning Group has been involved with their local H&SC Trust to make sure that when decisions are made about closures of Statutory Residential care Homes it is only to be on the basis that appropriate alternative provision is in place for the residents who would be affected by the closure.

The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Claire Keatinge said: “The DHSSPS, HSCB and 5

“As such these proposals do H&SC Trusts have now addressed the concerns that the Commissioner originally raised with the Minister about proposals to close a number of Statutory Residential Care Homes.

The process has been regionally planned, was transparent and evidence based.”

Consultation documents are available on the Trust website: www.southerntrust.hscni.net/consultations; by phoning (028) 3836 6819 or (028) 3836 6879 or by email [email protected]

Enquiries can also be made to the Director of Older People & Primary Care, Southern Health & Social Care Trust, C/o Planning Department, Brackens, Craigavon Area Hospital, 68 Lurgan Road, BT63 5QQ