Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy and Newry & Mourne Councillor David Taylor have met with senior officials of the Southern Health & Social Care Trust (Friday 3rd May) to discuss issues surrounding the proposed closure of Residential care homes in the Southern area.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Kennedy said:
‘We met with Mairead McAlinden Chief Executive of the Trust and Angela McVeigh, the Trust’s Director of Older People and Primary Care, and discussed the Care Trust programme in the Southern Area, with special reference to the future of Cloughreagh Residential Home in Bessbrook.
He continued – “It was a very detailed discussion during which we reflected the widespread and serious concern of residents, relatives and staff in the manner in which these changes were announced and handled”.
Cllr David Taylor said, “we expressed the need for the Trust to engage fully with residents, relatives and staff in all changes being brought forward. We are mindful of the strong views of residents, relatives and staff having taken the opportunity to meet with them at Cloughreagh House earlier this week”.
The statement concluded – “As local representatives we will continue to engage with the Trust on an on-going basis through any consultation process and we would also encourage everyone involved on behalf of residents, relatives and staff to engage in the consultation process to ensure it is meaningful. We remain convinced that very serious questions remain to be answered at the highest political level, regarding the handling of this entire matter.”