ERNE North councillor, David Mahon says he is looking forward to a “favourable outcome” for the residents and families of Creamery House in Kesh.
In a meeting with his DUP colleague, Health Minister Simon Hamilton, on Friday, the councillor said families felt “let down and betrayed” by the Western Trust’s decision to recommend the residential care facility’s closure.
He added his belief that the Trust would not even make the estimated £90,000 saving if the 11-bed facility for elderly people with learning difficulties was actually closed.
Creamery House’s closure was included in the Trust’s £13 million savings plan for 2015/16.
At the beginning of November, the Trust recommended that it proceed with the plans, despite 10 written responses, 2,350 postcards and 1,195 signatures all opposing the move.
Mr. Mahon said he used his meeting with Mr. Hamilton to make clear the public sentiment. “I explained to the Minister that closing Creamery house could possibly save the Trust around £90,000 which in terms of the total budget of the Trust was a very small amount of money.  I expressed the view that I did not believe the Trust would in fact achieve anywhere near the proposed savings suggested and asked that the proof of this be revealed.
“I thanked the Minister for his understanding of the situation and for agreeing the process needed to be reviewed and we look forward to the favourable outcome of the review.”
Following the meeting, the Health Minister said:  
“I can understand and appreciate the concern that the Western Trust’s decision regarding Creamery House will mean for residents, staff and the local community. 
“They can all be assured that I will be examining the process very carefully and will do all in my power to ensure that the strong views of the local community as expressed to me by councillor Mahon are taken fully on board.”