Opposition to the closure attracted 2,350 “No closure’ postcards and 1,195 signatures.

 

But, at last week’s meeting of the Western Health Trust board, the board agreed to move forward with the

recommendation to close Creamery House.

 

A spokesman said the Trust would now share it’s proposal with the Health and Social Care Board and the Department of Health and Social Services for their approval and confirmation that the Trust can move forward with the recommendation. 

 

The Trust said Creamery was an under-used 11 bed residential facility.

 

“It has been operating with a number of vacancies and at a financial loss for some time. In addition, there are a number of environmental issues associated with the building, and the home will not meet the long term needs of the residents.”

 

Helm Housing Association, the owners of the are home, said they had no comment to make.

If approval is given, the Trust will be engaging with service users, their families and staff to make sure the relocation of residents is taken forward in an effective and sensitive manner in line with their assessed needs.

 

“A number of options will be available to residents, including supported living, residential provision and, if necessary nursing home provision in the local area or a move closer to their families.” 

Reaction to the proposal has been trenchant.

 

Erne North Councillor Rosemary Barton, said she was, ‘very disappointed at this appalling decision’.

“It makes one question the value of public consultations when the sound arguments of the families, the views of the staff, and the community have been basically ignored.

 

Councillor John Feely, a Sinn Fein member for Erne North, warned that the trust’s decision was not final.

“It still has to be approved, so we must continue to support the residents and their friends and families who are all opposed to this decision.”

 

He called the Trust decision ‘mean spirited’.

 

Independent Unionist Raymond Farrell said he was, ‘deeply disappointed’ at the decision which, he believed, was not the right one.

 

“This (the home) is a very commendable service that was acknowledged by, among others, the Regional Quality Improvement Authority.

 

“I would appeal for this decision not to progress any further until we have the outcome of the review of Health Service provision in Northern Ireland.”

 

UNISON, in a statement, said it was ‘appalled’ at the decision.

 

It claimed the trust had based its decision purely on financial savings and ignored the best interests of the residents.

 

The union asked that any decision to close be withdrawn until the review of the Health and Social Care reorganisation proposed by the Health Minister Simon Hamilton was complete.