Westlands residents ill over closure threat

Pacemaker Press 3/4/2012 Westland Care Home in Cookstown Co Tyrone, as trust care homes in Northern Ireland are due for closure Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Sandra Overend says elderly residents became “sick and depressed” over the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) plans to close the state run facility by November.

She made the comments after visiting the home to assure staff and those residing at the Westland Road care home to assure them of her continued support.

The Ulster Unionist assembly woman said: “During my visit to Westlands Care Home I took the time to sit down with individual residents to hear first-hand the high regard in which they hold the Westands home, the excellent care that they receive and their concerns over its future.”

Sandra continued: “It was clear to me that the way that residents were informed of the decision to close this home was utterly deplorable.

“Furthermore, I understand that some became sick and depressed because of the anxiety caused by the decision.”

In May Health Minister Edwin Poots made a dramatic U-turn on proposals to close Westlands, and other care homes in the province, after huge public backlash.

He removed powers from the Trusts and appointed a senior member of the Health and Social Care Board to review plans.

Mrs Overend had requested to meet the Minister to discuss further concern voiced by residents and their families.

But in a letter dated June 7th, the DUP minister refused the offer of a meeting..

Sandra added: “The residents of Westlands Care Home can be assured that I will pursue this with the Minister, and that I will continue to press the Minister on their behalf, to ensure that their voices are heard, and to work towards creating a safe and certain future for them.”