Victory for Westlands as home will remain open

Westlands had been lined up for closure as part of the new Transforming Your Care policy imposed by the Trust and residents and staff have been campaigning tirelessly to save the home from closure.

DUP MLA Ian McCrea told the MAIL he was ‘delighted’ to welcome the Health Minister, Edwin Poots to Cookstown to personally speak to the residents and staff of Westlands and bring the good news that Westlands Nursing Home will not close.

Speaking following the Ministers visit, Ian McCrea said: “I made no apology for voicing my disgust at how the Northern Trust had treated the residents of Westlands Home last year, when they revealed their intent in closing the home regardless of the impact it would have on the residents.

“I was delighted when the Minister listened and acted upon the concerns of the residents on his last visit to Cookstown and announced his decision to scrap the current closure plans and to start the process in line with TYC and I was equally thrilled when the Health Minister took it upon himself to personally visit the residents and staff of Westlands again today to reaffirm to residents that their wishes and welfare are his main priority and that existing residents will be allowed to remain in their home for as long as they wish and so long as their needs can continue to be met there.

“The announcement was met with delight and emotion by the residents, their families and the staff, who I want to commend for fighting so diligently to keep Westlands open.

“This is great news for all those associated with Westlands and news that I have no doubt will be welcome by everyone.”