‘Unanswered questions’ over Northern Ireland care homes

Plans for all five Health Trusts across Northern Ireland to review admission policies for permanent residential care homes have been met with criticism.

The decision, which followed a consultation into the future of residential care by the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), has led to concerns over service provision.

However, the HSCB has reiterated the pledge by Health Minister Edwin Poots that all current homes would remain open as long as residents want to stay in them.

Last year plans to close 18 NHS homes with 240 permanent residents sparked a public outcry. In May, Mr Poots was forced to make a U-turn, ordering trusts to suspend consultation plans. The fresh consultation was announced last August and almost 1,200 responses were received.

Yesterday’s recommendation to review the admission policy was part of the board’s process.It focused on producing the criteria that should be used to assess a home’s future. It will be used by all five trusts.

They will then inform the board of their future intentions which will examine proposals and consider any closures. Currently only the Western Trust has a policy to accept permanent residents.

Fionnuala McAndrew, Acting Chief Executive with the board, said she wanted to reassure those who took part that the board had “carefully considered” their views.

“I recognise that this process has caused anxiety for residents, their families and carers but I hope that the minister’s statements and our commitment to them will provide the reassurance needed to ensure that any future changes can be managed in a way that does not cause any further concerns,” she said. “There will always be a need for some level of residential care but the changing trends and desires of people must be taken into account too as we plan for the future,” she said.

Claire Keatinge, Commissioner for Older People, said there were “unanswered questions” on proper investment for homes and dwindling numbers of residents.

She added: “Whilst current residents can take some comfort in the fact that they will be able to remain in their home if they so wish, there is nothing to give future older people confidence that a choice of statutory residential accommodation will continue to be available to them.”

SDLP health spokesperson Fearghal McKinney said asking health trusts to review their admissions policy for older people going into care homes was a “farce”.

The South Belfast MLA said: “People will be very concerned and confused at this news because it is devolving authority to the Trusts who will use vague criteria to come to the same decision that left people so aghast last year.”

Health Minister Edwin Poots said residents would remain in their homes for as long as “they wished and so long as their needs can continue to be met there”.

“I stand by that reassurance because I appreciate the value of the friendships they have forged, the close connections to family and the community, and the quality of care and an attachment to the staff,” he said.

“However, because there is currently significant spare capacity in homes, I am keen to see an expanded role for them – providing respite care and given the current pressures in our hospital system, potential step-down provision following discharge from hospital.

“I have tasked my officials to explore the potential for residential facilities to serve as broader hubs for older people’s services.”