Trust must be sensitive to fears and concerns of Older People in regard to Residential Home Closures - Bell
Lagan Valley MLA and UUP Older Persons Issues spokesperson Billy Bell has expressed his concern that residential homes in Lisburn and South Down have come under threat of closure after a decision by the Down Lisburn Health Trust to reduce the number of beds in the area.
Public consultation ends this month and a final decision on the fate of the homes is due in January next year.
Mr Bell said:
“Obviously we do not want the homes to close and the wave of opposition in Lisburn shows the strength of opinion on the subject. This simply cannot be ignored by Down Lisburn Trust.
“We share the sentiments of Age Concern Northern Ireland when they ask the Trust to be sensitive to the fears and concerns of all affected parties. These centres play a very valuable role within our community and if they go, many may find themselves without a vital support network.
“The Trust needs to address these concerns sooner rather than later as many families feel left in the dark. At the end of the day the Trust’s priority should be the welfare of the elderly, not making sure the balance book adds up”.