Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has welcomed the message last week from the Health Minister, Edwin Poots, that consultation with residents and families is the key to the change process. The Health Minister made the comments following the publication of the
Health and Social Care Board’s Project Initiation Document on Improving
Services for Older People.Continuing, Mr Poots said: 'It is unacceptable that any older person should feel distressed because of proposals for change. I have been very clear that their needs, wishes and concerns should be at the core of this process going forward. I am assured that this process will ensure just that and the HSC Board will now begin a process of engagement with residents, families and staff. This will be followed by two periods of public consultation.'
In welcoming the opportunity for consultation, Cllr Mark McKinty has urged that 'local voices must be listened to' throughout the process. 'I welcome the fact that the future of residential care in Northern Ireland will now be subject to public consultation' he said. 'I am also pleased that the Minister has recognised that both the views and the well-being of residents and families are paramount to the future success of Transforming Your Care, however that may manifest itself'.
'I do hope, however, that the consultation will not simply be a box-ticking exercise, with the decisions already having been taken. It is important in a democracy that the people are afforded the opportunity to express their views on such a major project, and that these views are genuinely listened to'.
'This announcement is extremely important for Larne, of course, with important decisions to be made on the future of Lisgarel. I would encourage everyone to respond to both consultations, which are inextricably linked, and equally as important. In working together, and in making our views known to the Board, we can have a real positive influence on the future of Lisgarel, and more generally on elderly care in the Borough'.
'Meanwhile, I have written again to the Minister and the Board to impress upon them the importance of ending the moratorium on new admissions to Lisgarel, otherwise numbers will continue to fall and closure by stealth will be a reality' concluded Cllr McKinty. 'Lisgarel must be opened up to new intake, and investment in the future of elderly care in Larne made a priority'.
The new process will be taken forward in two stages of consultation. In the first stage, the Board will be seeking views on the criteria which should be used to assess where changes will happen and the sequence and timing of when this needs to occur. It is hoped this stage will commence in October 2013 and run until January 2014.
The agreed criteria will then be used by Health and Social Care Trusts to assess their care homes and inform the Board of their future intentions. The Board will examine these proposals thoroughly to ensure that the future care needs of older people can be appropriately met. It is anticipated that this will happen in the first three months of 2014.
Any major changes, including the proposed closure of any home, will require further consultation. This is the second stage of consultation and during this stage the Board will be encouraging and supporting open and honest discussion about any proposed changes.
