Dear Madam, - I was invited to a “Discussion Group” called by senior staff members of the Western Health and Social Care Trust. It took place in the South West Acute Hospital and its content surrounded “community meals and their distribution” throughout the county of Fermanagh.

Discussion also came about through reference to delivery of materials required by some members of the community.

I appreciate that senior staff have a difficult task in planning and delivering requirements which are needed by many of our fellow citizens who are fearful that “big changes” to the present system and methods being used, necessitate a change which may confuse them. I was surprised that the meeting was not large in number and I put the question “why did not all receive an invite?” I was given the impression that that there was no ulterior motive behind the number present. Thinking of meals on wheels projects, in my mind the meals on wheels staff are not recognised for their importance. They are the lowest paid of the smaller groups and that is surely unfair to those personnel.

In the delivery of items of equipment to the area, those of us present were told there would be three “stations” made available for the storage and presentation of equipment for usage. The three stations to be used, I believe are Londonderry, Omagh and I think Strabane. It beats me why Enniskillen employees always seem to be rumbled by change and loss of jobs. This must be watched with undoubted vigilance.

Regarding the delivery of meals on wheels where the number of meals to a home will be sent together, the recipient will have the onus thrust upon them of having such meals edible and infection free. Two problems I see here is that one is not capable of preparing the meal for eating and the other is that presently the recipient of the meal is aware somebody is calling daily so a watching brief is actioned to ensure the person is well and able to eat the food provided or indeed any other problem which besets them.

Another point which concerns me is the intent I understand, to change the distribution centre for the Enniskillen area at Lackaboy to be vacated and go to some other location thus disrupting the staff who do a good job there.

Communications will be essential. These points I have related to are some of the changes which are to be enacted creating upset and concern to those involved - employee and recipients alike.

I feel our local councillors should be involved in pursuing this.

I suggest the following is what takes place in society these days ....... “we trained hard, but every time we were beginning to form up into teams we would be reorganised. I was later to learn in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganising ....... and what a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress where producing inefficiency and demoralisation.” Yours faithfully, Sam Foster, Ulster Unionist