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Residential homes spared closure Residential homes spared closure
(about 1 hour later)
All four residential homes in the Western Trust area under the threat of closure are to remain open.All four residential homes in the Western Trust area under the threat of closure are to remain open.
Greenfield home will operate as normal and the three others will stop taking new residents in preparation for eventual closure.Greenfield home will operate as normal and the three others will stop taking new residents in preparation for eventual closure.
Foyleville in Derry, Drumhaw in Lisnaskea and Gortmore in Omagh were to close as part of a savings plan.Foyleville in Derry, Drumhaw in Lisnaskea and Gortmore in Omagh were to close as part of a savings plan.
The Western Trust said they had considered "the range of issues, views and concerns during the consultation".The Western Trust said they had considered "the range of issues, views and concerns during the consultation".
Councillor Billy Page's 93-year-old mother is a resident in Foyleville and said the news is causing celebrations.Councillor Billy Page's 93-year-old mother is a resident in Foyleville and said the news is causing celebrations.
"Just to hear the news today is wonderful for the families and the residents," he said."Just to hear the news today is wonderful for the families and the residents," he said.
Geraldine Hillick, director of primary care and older people services with the Western Trust, said they had listened to the residents and the wider community.
In relation to the three homes homes which will stop taking new residents, she said there were other homes in the area which had vacancies.
"We are very confident that we will be able to meet the demands and requirements for residential care in those areas," she said.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Arlene Foster said the news would be "bittersweet" for the residents in Drumhaw, Foyleville and Gortmore.
"The residents that are currently there will be somewhat relieved but will be disappointed that the home will close in the medium term," she said.
"But what will happen when there are just two or three residents in each home, will they continue to provide the services there or will the residents will be moved?"
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said the issue of residential homes had caused "considerable anxiety".
"Throughout the consultation period, I have made it clear that no residential homes will close unless there is suitable alternative provision, which is of the same or higher quality than that which is currently provided," he said.
"I am encouraged by the Trust's decision to change a number of its recommendations in light of the responses to its consultation."