Elder provision may be moved from Ward Three

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) has denied that the mental health ward at Waterside Hospital - providing 18 continuing care places - is to close despite fears of staff and a leading union representative.

But according to the logic of statements by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey care for older people with mental health needs will not always be provided at the ward.

In a statement released to the Sentinel on April 28 Mr McGimpsey responded to the claims of staff that the ward was to close by saying: "In line with the Bamford Review, older people with mental health needs will undergo comprehensive assessments to assess how best to meet their needs.

"Ward 3 will provide new interim accommodation for Elderly Mentally Infirm and Functionally Mentally Infirm assessment wards."

Now asked by SDLP MLA Conal McDevitt to define interim accommodation the Minister stated: "The Western Health and Social Care Trust advises that the term 'interim accommodation' means until a replacement inpatient and assessment centre for older people is provided."

A spokesperson from the Western Trust commented: "Ward 3 in the Waterside Hospital is not closing. Services provided on Ward 3 are changing.

"In 2006 the Foyle Legacy Trust approved a business case for the provision of a replacement inpatient assessment and treatment centre for older people who require Functionally Mentally Ill and Elderly Mentally Ill services.

"In the context of the earlier statement "interim" means until Departmental capital funding is secured.

"The Trust is committed to continuing to provide services for older people, and the Waterside Hospital will continue to be a part of this provision of services."

Meanwhile the Health Minister was also asked to detail the number of displaced staff in WHSCT.

He stated: "The Western Health and Social Care Trust state that they currently have 24 displaced staff.

"All of these staff are covering either staff shortages or specific work identified as needed within the Trust."