Unions slam Roddens threat

Causeway Trades Council this week voiced its concerns about a proposal and forthcoming consultation by the Northern Health Trust to close the The Roddens care home in Ballymoney.
NewsNews
News

Trades Council Secretary, Rodger Doherty said, “We are deeply concerned about these proposals, The Roddens care home is a fantastic facility and a part of the Ballymoney community.

“The Care Home offers high quality care for both long term residents and for respite care. 
“The closure of the facility would see the last NHS residential home close and the loss of much needed respite care.

“The Roddens by no way could be classed as under-used and we see this as nothing more than a further attempt to privatise our Health Services and Care.”

In May 2013, the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) was asked by the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), Edwin Poots to develop a regional process, working closely with Trusts, for consulting, engaging and implementing Transforming Your Care in relation to statutory residential care homes.

On May 19th the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) approved the Northern Trust’s proposals for consultation, proposals which include the closure of The Roddens.

Causeway Trades Council are urging as many to attend as possible to attend a public meeting in Ballymoney Town Halll tomorrow night (June 24th) at 8pm.

The meeting will be chaired by Independent MLA Claire Sugden.

Mr Doherty went further saying: “We have been working closely with stakeholders in The Roddens and with growing anger at the proposals coming from the community we have called this public meeting to allow the community to speak, everyone is invited staff, relatives, politicians and the trust themselves.

“Make no mistake we will fight for the facility and this is only the beginning.”

See www.ballymoneytimes.co.uk for more.

Related topics: