Protest Over Proposed Closure of Nursing Home (UK)

'We would like Health Minister to see home for himself'

29 January 2009

By Staff reporter

 RESIDENTS of Greenisland House are inviting Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to visit the home.

Angry and upset over what they fear is a proposed closure, they are asking Mr. McGimpsey to see for himself the facilities on offer.

They speak of staff who go the extra mile, clean and pleasant surroundings, attractive 

single occupancy bedrooms, well-equipped bathrooms, home-cooked food which has earned a four-star “scores on the doors” rating and not to mention the scenic views of Belfast Lough.

“It is like home from home”, said Rosina Carlin.

So determined are they to hold onto their home that one lady Sylvia Maxwell who is severely disabled with arthritis is preparing to attend Tuesday night’s public meeting in the Clarion Hotel.

She has asked one of the carers to take her there in a wheelchair to show her depth of feeling on the issue.

The former Whitehead resident says that she has been so distressed by the modernisation plan that she has not slept properly since she heard the news.

She has been a resident of Greenisland House for the past four years.

Sylvia said that it was too dangerous for her to live on her own and has ruled out a return to any form of independent living.

Abridged

SOURCE:    Carrickfergus Today

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