Dickson care home closure

Stewart Dickson at the protest against care home closures outside Stormont on September 28. INLT-40-704-con

The protest, on Monday September 28, was organised by the trade unions NIPSA and Unison.

“I worked within the Trade Union movement for decades, and understand the grassroots concerns they represent,” commented Mr Dickson.

“Furthermore, I have worked extensively with families who have had relatives in care, and heard of the appalling costs that have been levied on their frail relatives by private homes.

“We expect the Health Service and the Welfare State to be there for us, from ‘cradle to grave.’”

Mr Dickson said that any closure of care homes would leave many of the most vulnerable peoplel “at the mercy of market forces in their old age.”

“It was very noticeable that no DUP MLAs attended the event, nor was the Health Minister in attendance, instead the DUP appear to be more interested in playing musical chairs with the NI Executive,” he continued.

“It’s time this ridiculous charade stopped and the Minister of Health returned to his job to support the elderly, to deal with the waiting times crisis and ensuring that everyone gets timely and excellent emergency care.

“Shame on the DUP for taking the people of Northern Ireland for granted and for treating the elderly and infirm so appallingly,” he concluded.