PUBLIC MEETING CALLED AS SKEAGH HOUSE BIRTHDAY LOOMS
AS Dromore's reprieved Skeagh House residential home makes ready to mark its 30th birthday, the Skeagh House Action Committee is calling a public meeting to update the community and appeal for support.
Formed in defence of Skeagh House, earmarked for closure at the time, the committee marked its eventual victory with a decision to remain in place as a voluntary local watchdog and support group.
It emerged this week that members recently met with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust's Angela McVeigh and Brendan Whittle and will come to the public meeting armed with a fresh commitment from the Trust.
Thanking the Trust for the opportunity, the committee's Carol Black said, "We welcome their reassurances that the Trust is committed to maintaining a viable home in our locality, which is in line with the clearly expressed wishes of the community during the consultation process in 2008/2009.
"Our aim is to ensure that Skeagh House is maintained as a residential centre of excellence for older persons in Dromore and district."
The Ulster Unionist councillor said the committee recognised that in a time of restricted public finances the Trust had to ensure services were cost effective.
"But," she said, "it is likewise important that staffing levels are maintained at a level necessary to achieve quality care."
The committee is to hold its public meeting in Dromore Cathedral's Clayton Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 23.
"The purpose of our meeting is to update people with the current position and to gain support to help with the committee," said Councillor Black.
"I would encourage friends and relatives, past and present, of Skeagh House to come along and give their points of view and perhaps take up a role within the committee."
Ms. Black also announced that, having met with Skeagh House manager Iris Cromie, the committee was planning to celebrate the home's 30th anniversary in May.
"We would want to work along with the residents, relatives and staff to arrange one or more social events," she said. "There is also talk of a community barbecue, with various entertainment, so please bring a friend and come along to the public meeting and get involved."
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Weather for Dromore
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
