Trust to retain Rathcoole care home

The Health and Social Care Board has approved a proposal by the Northern Health Trust that should secure the future of Clonmore House.
Clonmore House, Rathcoole.Clonmore House, Rathcoole.
Clonmore House, Rathcoole.

The Rathcoole care home has been earmarked for possible closure on a number of occasions over the past six years, but the Trust’s latest proposal is that it should remain open and start accepting new residents.

At its monthly public meeting on Tuesday, May 19, the Board approved for further consultation, the Trust’s proposal that Clonmore be retained and that admissions reopen after the consultation period.

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The Board confirmed that the review of the Crossreagh Drive facility and other care homes is still an ongoing process and no final decisions have yet been made. However, North Belfast MLA Paula Bradley, Assembly Private Secretary to the Health Minister, believes the Trust’s proposal will be a great relief to Clonmore residents, their relatives and the staff who work there.

Paula Bradley MLA.Paula Bradley MLA.
Paula Bradley MLA.

“This proposal will now go for local consultation and I would urge local people to once again show their continuing support for maintaining this vital facility in our area. Once the final consultation is complete Clonmore House will then be able to recommence admissions,” she commented.

“This announcement offers reassurance for residents, staff, relatives and indeed the wider community and is warmly welcomed. I want to pay tribute to those who led the campaign to maintain statutory residential care at Clonmore House, as well as the staff and carers for their dedication and professionalism,” the DUP MLA added.

While the latest proposals by Northern Ireland’s health trusts mean Clonmore and several other facilities are likely to remain open, a number of statutory residential care homes will be considered for alternative use and others earmarked for closure.