18 bids for nursing and old folk’s homes in NW in 5yrs

CARE HOME CLOSURE- Derry no9-2/4/2013-TREVOR MCBRIDE PICTURE© Thackeray Place in Limavady was one of the Care Homes in the North West under threat of closure-

In Londonderry alone there were 12 applications over the four years. In Limavady there were five and in Strabane just one. The revelation follows proposals to close homes in the Londonderry area. The Western Trust submitted proposals regarding the potential closure of residential care homes in the city at its board meeting last month. Earmarked for potential closure were the Rectory Field and William Street care homes in Londonderry, Thackeray Place in Limavady and Green Field in Strabane.

But Health Minister Edwin Poots pointed out that no decision was taken to close residential care homes. He explained: “Some Trusts had developed proposals on the closure of a number of statutory residential care homes for older people in their area.

“On May 3, 2013, I called a halt to the local Trusts’ processes for closure of statutory residential homes for older people. The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) will now lead a new process for consultation and engagement. I have recently written to residents in affected homes explaining to them what is now going to happen. I want the new process to be clear and not rushed.”