Families’ concern as west Belfast care home residents moved to allow fire safety work

UP to 46 elderly residents of a care household in west Belfast are becoming compelled to go from the facility following fire security issues were being noticed during an audit.

The Springfield Highway facility, operated by the Care Circle Team, homes is owing to shut now.

The closure was purchased adhering to a protection assessment at the creating by the NI Fire and Rescue Assistance (NIFRS), and it is estimated the perform could take months to be finished.

In a joint assertion to the Irish News, the Belfast have faith in, the South Eastern have confidence in and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) stated the current assessment discovered fire safety fears, major to a Prohibition Observe becoming issued that involves all residents to be moved.

“We have an understanding of the effects this will have on the inhabitants and their households but the basic safety of each resident is of paramount value,” the assertion stated.

“The management of Glenalina Lodge is functioning in partnership with Belfast Belief, South Jap Have confidence in and RQIA to guarantee secure, option accommodation is discovered for all people at this time dwelling at this household. To mitigate the recent threats, arrangements have been put in put at the home with the arrangement of NIFRS and RQIA, which includes the existence of hearth safety wardens on a 24 hour foundation.”

West Belfast Sinn Féin Stormont applicant Aisling Reilly reported represenatives had been functioning with households “to ensure that their cherished ones are positioned in different accommodation that fulfills their demands and is nearby”.

“We’ve also been contacted by employees who function in Glenalina Lodge who are fearful about this temporary closure and if this will have an impression on their work stability,” she explained.

“The protection of the residents and staff members of Glenalina Lodge is paramount and we hope that these performs will acquire location in significantly less than the two months anticipated so that everybody can get back again to their common surroundings and position of operate.”