The fight to keep residential services in Wesltand is over, but for how long. Already being hailed the brave conqueror of the Trusts by stopping them from closing these homes Edwin Poots must have a short memory as these closures were earmarked by a review which he initiated and by the very Trusts he claims to have control of.
Who says that people power cannot stop the government, well done residents in Westlands in Cookstown, you done what many thought you would never do, firstly speak out and secondly win the fight to save your home. When the closures were first announced I went to Westlands to speak to some staff, shortly after at the request of residents and their family attended a meeting where a fight back was planned. Much thanks and credit to the saving of Westlands must go to its residents, especially Jean Faulkner who articulated Westlands as her home in the manner that she did. She cut a figure across Northern Ireland that will not be forgotten and it was an honour to have helped her and every resident in Westlands.
Months before the announcement to shut the homes was made I addressed Cookstown Council in their chambers to make sure that they responded to Transforming Your Care to save Westlands, this was because the council did not respond to the first round in the consultation.
http://savethemid.weebly.com/4/post/2012/11/save-the-mid-meet-cookstown-council.html
When the consultation to close the homes for the Trusts was stopped, it was then replaced with a new paper, the only difference was the cover page, the contents were still the same. The difference this time was that people were ready to fight back.
What must be achieved now is keeping Westlands open after the election, moves must be made to ; allow people to choose Westlands as a long stay placement; re-introduce the elderly clinics that were removed over a year ago and ensure that the Trust make all necessary improvements to the Westlands building to ensure its future.
What must be addressed now is the stress and conflict this caused residents and families, I was in a meeting with the Northern Trust after the first attempt to close the home was stopped, Una Cunning, Director of Primary and Community Care For Older People, specifically stated that no residents were stressed by the proposals to shut Westlands, in terms of accountability for what happened to residents Una Johnston should be removed from her position as an executive board member to ensure that this never happens again
Months before the announcement to shut the homes was made I addressed Cookstown Council in their chambers to make sure that they responded to Transforming Your Care to save Westlands, this was because the council did not respond to the first round in the consultation.
http://savethemid.weebly.com/4/post/2012/11/save-the-mid-meet-cookstown-council.html
When the consultation to close the homes for the Trusts was stopped, it was then replaced with a new paper, the only difference was the cover page, the contents were still the same. The difference this time was that people were ready to fight back.
What must be achieved now is keeping Westlands open after the election, moves must be made to ; allow people to choose Westlands as a long stay placement; re-introduce the elderly clinics that were removed over a year ago and ensure that the Trust make all necessary improvements to the Westlands building to ensure its future.
What must be addressed now is the stress and conflict this caused residents and families, I was in a meeting with the Northern Trust after the first attempt to close the home was stopped, Una Cunning, Director of Primary and Community Care For Older People, specifically stated that no residents were stressed by the proposals to shut Westlands, in terms of accountability for what happened to residents Una Johnston should be removed from her position as an executive board member to ensure that this never happens again