Dear Madam - Many thanks for your coverage so far about the Western Trust’s decision as part of their savings plan to close Creamery House. As you know Creamery House is a statutory residential home in the village of Kesh and is currently the home to seven residents with learning disabilities.

The Western Trust has decided to close this home and move the seven residents in it to other locations. There is no assurance that these residents will remain together as the family they would consider themselves, only that they will see that the ‘relocation of residents is taken forward in an effective and sensitive manner in line with residents assessed needs.’ The ‘Friends of Creamery House ‘ group was set up following a public meeting held in Kesh, a group that included families of the residents, local interested community representatives as well as having the support of all the political parties, with their councillors being involved. Nobody believes this decision has been made with the best interests of the residents being the priority and also feel that they have been denied their basic human right to choose where they wish to call home.

The Health and Social Care Board issued the statement: “The Health and Social Care Board remains committed to the assurance given to current permanent residents by the former Minister, Edwin Poots that they can remain in their existing home for as long as they wish and their care needs can be met.” This right is being denied to the residents of Creamery House, which begs the question of equality ‘when is an older person not an older person? Is it when they have a learning disability?’ For the next part of the campaign there have been thousands of pre-printed postcards left in different areas around County Fermanagh and are also available from the UNISON Office in Tyrone County hospital. We would ask that the local community would sign the back of the postcards and place in the boxes provided. We will deliver them on your behalf to the Western Trust Chief Executive at the Trust Board meeting in August, so that the Western Trust is on no doubt that we as a community oppose their decision .

Below is a list of local places where postcards and boxes can be found and this campaign has been fully supported by UNISON N. Ireland which opposes any cuts to your public sector; UUP office, DUP office, Sinn Fein office, Rooney’s Spar Shop, Cornagrade Road, Enniskillen; UNISON Office, SWAH; Mace shop, Ederney; SEFF office in South Fermanagh; Mayfly Inn, Kesh; Cara Pharmacy, Kesh; Beatty’s Spar, Ballinamallard; Centra Store, Main Street, Ballinamallard.

Postcards can also be left at the UNISON Office, Tyrone County Hospital, Omagh.

Updates will be posted on the ‘Friends of Creamery House’ page.

Yours faithfully, Jill Weir, Branch Secretary, UNISON, O & F Branch, South West Acute Hospital.