Spratt demands answers regarding future of dementia wards at Knockbracken

South Belfast DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt has called on Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, to clarify the future of dementia wards at Knockbracken Health Care Centre in South Belfast. Yesterday families of patients received letters informing them of a planned discharge of patients from the facility.

 

Commenting, Mr Spratt said:

 

‘I am very worried, as indeed are families, by the mixed messages being relayed over the future of the dementia wards at Knockbracken Healthcare Park.

 

It seems that there is a lack of clarity over whether these wards are facing closure or not, with some staff saying that the wards are to close while others giving a different message. All this confusion is only adding to the distress of those affected.

 

Some patients have been cared for in this facility for nigh on six years and now they face the prospect of major upheaval. Is it right that elderly patients, some in their nineties, are treated this way?

 

I am calling for a clear statement from the Minister, and the Trust, regarding the future of the dementia wards at Knockbracken. There is a deep sense of confusion and fear among those concerned which must be addressed by definitive answers.’