The SDLP has expressed concern at possible care home closures in Northern Ireland.

Dolores Kelly MLA raised the matter in the wake of the announcement that care home giant Four Seasons, which operates dozens of facilities in Northern Ireland, is set to collapse into administration.

The company has 58 homes in the region, prompting fears for thousands of elderly residents and staff.

Ms Kelly said the decision to close statutory care homes and privatise the industry has left those potentially affected facing an anxious time.

She commented: "It has long been understood that the privatisation of our care homes is an unsustainable model and requires urgent action by the Department.

"Given many of the Four Season residential homes are located within close proximity to one another around the Bann area, this risks many elderly residents and dementia patients having to move further from family and friends to find care elsewhere. This is simply unacceptable.

"This news will undoubtedly cause anxiety for the hundreds of workers employed by the company who will be worried that job losses are imminent."

The Upper Bann MLA has written to the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Health, Richard Pengelly, to request an outline of the actions being taken to future proof the care model.

As provision at the homes continues as normal for now, the DoH has said it will closely monitor the situation and keep in close contact with Four Seasons while reviewing necessary contingency arrangements.



(JG/CM)