Families asked to find alternative care for relatives as Co Antrim nursing home set to close

Proposals to shut the Shore Road site were made public in February, however it was given a temporary reprieve in March as part of efforts to deal with the coronavirus crisis.

Speaking at the time, a spokesperson for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust said: “The Trust is working closely with Ravenhill Nursing Home, and other independent providers, to secure the availability of beds to support the Trust in our contingency plans as we deal with coronavirus.

“We would place on record our thanks to all providers for working with us as we deal with this unprecedented challenge.”

This week a concerned member of the public contacted this newspaper to say family members are now being contacted by the Trust to source new accommodation for their loved ones as the unit is set to close.

In response, a spokesperson for the Trust said: “Ravenhill Nursing Home had previously confirmed to the Trust that, as of May 25 2020, the home would cease to operate.

“Accordingly, families were asked to work closely with the Trust to seek alternative placement as soon as possible and a number of residents began to transfer to other appropriate care homes.

“In March 2020, due to restrictions within care homes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the home agreed to delay the closure and residents were able to remain at the home until review in July 2020. The home informed the remaining residents of this temporary change.

“As the home closure process is due to recommence in a matter of weeks, the Trust has again been in touch with those impacted by this decision to assist them in finding an alternative care home of their choice.

“The Trust recognises this is a difficult time for those affected by this closure and will follow the recommendations of the Public Health Agency to ensure the protection of all residents.”

When contacted, a spokesperson acting on behalf of Ravenhill Private Nursing Home referred our reporter to the statement issued by the Trust.

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