Ashbrooke Care Home in Enniskillen finally shuts down

By Adam Evans

A care home in Fermanagh ordered to shut down by inspectors has finally closed it's doors.

We're told new beds have been found in the local area for the 40 residents at Ashbrooke in Enniskillen.

Inspectorate the RQIA, raised serious concerns over the risk to life, health and wellbeing.

Chief Executive, Olive Macleod has said "Following the identification of systemic care failings and concerns in relation to the management of Ashbrooke Care Home, Enniskillen, in late August, RQIA moved to cancel the registration of Runwood Homes Ltd. in respect of this service.

"On Friday 1 September, RQIA registered the Western Trust to manage a small number residential care places at Ashbrooke for an interim period.  The Western Trust advised RQIA that the final resident at the home moved to suitable alternative accommodation in the Enniskillen area earlier today, 6 September 2017.  As a result, Ashbrooke Care Home is now closed."

Kieran Downey, Executive Director of Social Work for the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) said: "The Western Trust is pleased to confirm that suitable accommodation has now been secured for all remaining residents in Ashbrooke Care Centre, which meets their individual needs, within the local community. The Trust will now be writing to the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) to relinquish its temporary registration of the care home."

Mr Downey continued: "I wish to pay tribute to all of our staff who have worked tirelessly, in unprecedented circumstances, to ensure that all residents have now been found suitable accommodation within the local area. I would also like to thank the residents and their families for their support and patience throughout this very difficult time."