Sinn Féin’s Caoimhe Archibald has expressed disappointment at the news that the prospective sale has fallen through of a Garvagh care home which had been marked for closure. The closure of the home is now due to go ahead in the next few months.
Ms Archibald said, “This is a devastating development both for residents and their families, and also for staff. There are residents who were under the impression they would be able to stay in Garvagh and had stopped looking for another residency. Likewise there are staff members in the position of now having to recommence the search for alternative employment.”
“Myself and MLA Cathal Ó hOisín had visited the home just before the announcement of the prospective sale in December. At that time we talked with the staff who were in quite a downbeat mood; they had expressed dismay at how things had been progressing, their foremost concern being for their residents.”
“This is a very unsatisfactory outcome, particularly as Garvagh care home is such a high standard, purpose-built facility. Some of the residents have been living there for many years.”
“We will continue to engage with those affected by the closure and will be arranging to meet with the Trust to discuss how this will now progress. There is an urgent need to look at provision of care for older people in the longer term.”
