Commissioner for Older People to meet with Health Minister and the Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Board

This comes following a number of concerns raised about the proposed closures of statutory residential care homes in Northern Ireland.

The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Claire Keatinge said: “I am deeply concerned to hear about the upset and distress being caused to older people currently living in the affected statutory residential care homes.

“The views and care needs of older people must be the single most important consideration in any process that sets out to close or change a facility. Older people in care homes must be treated fairly and their voices heard. The care home is their home and each person is an individual.

“The consultation process must respect the dignity, individual needs and right to privacy of all residents, as well as their rights to be involved in making informed decisions about their care and well being.

“I previously met with Minister Poots and was assured that there was no overall strategy that proposed such widespread closure of statutory residential care homes. I am deeply shocked and surprised at these proposals. I have now arranged to meet with the Minister and the Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Board to express my deep concern about the fear and distress being caused to residents of statutory residential care homes.

“Any proposals to close statutory residential care homes must put current residents at the heart of decision making and protect their rights.”