19/03/2013

Ramsey Call For Bed Closures To Be Balanced With Home Care Nurses

Sinn Féin MLA Sue Ramsey said it is important that any proposed closure to homes is based upon care in the home being in place to meet the demand.

The West Belfast MLA and Chair of the Assembly's Health Committee said: "The announcement by Health Minister Edwin Poots that 180 beds, mainly in the care home sector, are to close needs to be balanced with the need for nurses to ensure that the standard of care is not diminished.

"Many patients in homes need reassurance that the standard of care will be available in the community.

"While I am in favour of Transforming Care strategy I am also concerned that this is not privatisation through the back door.

"Whatever changes come through this strategy the fundamental principle of the health service, healthcare free at the point of delivery, can not be altered."

(CD)




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