East Antrim Ulster Unionist representative Roy Beggs MLA said “I am disappointed to learn of the decision of owners of the private Ravenhill Nursing Home to close. This will be upsetting for many of the residents who thought that this was their long term care home. Indeed, I understand that some were in the process of selling their own home having chosen to stay there. I hope that residents will be afforded a reasonable time to find alternative arrangements and that they will be able to find a nursing home reasonably close to family and friends.
With the growing older population, we all should be concerned at the closure of beds in nursing homes as it will be increasingly difficult to find one locally. If running costs rather than planning opportunities is the cause of the closure, there is a need for the Health Service to review the level of support that is provided to nursing homes.”
Knockagh Cllr Andrew Wilson added “I have been contacted by a number of people who are concerned about the closure and it is undoubtedly a difficult time for residents, their families and staff. I agree with my colleague Roy Beggs – I hope that the residents of Ravenhill will be afforded suitable time to find an alternative care home.”
