Poots in dramatic u-turn over care home closures | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Poots in dramatic u-turn over care home closures

SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh Dominic Bradley has given a cautious welcome to the change of mind on the closure of residential care homes by the Health Minister Edwin Poots.

Saved? Cloughreagh Care Home

Speaking after spending the afternoon in Cloughreagh House with Councillor John Feehan, residents, staff, and relatives, Bradley said he welcomed the fact that Mr Poots has changed his view on the closure of residential homes.

“I spoke with residents and staff at Cloughreagh House today and saw the dismay that looming closure was causing. This decision will bring a huge sigh of relief to all concerned and means that residents, staff, and relatives can feel a greater sense of security about the future.

“This was a victory for all those who spoke out against the proposed closure of the homes but the fight must continue to keep the homes open.”

Councillor Feehan added, “We must remain vigilant about the future of our residential homes. Today’s announcement, whilst helpful, does not totally secure the future of the homes and we need to continue to pile on the pressure.

“Mr Poots has said that this is a u-turn on process but not on policy. I would hope that having seen the public wrath at the proposal to close the homes Mr Poots will reverse this particular aspect of his policy.”

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=31319

Posted by on May 3 2013. Filed under Community, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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