The 14-week consultation period began in June and proposals include the Trust continuing to provide residential care at Lisgarel in Larne, Clonmore in Newtownabbey, Joymount in Carrickfergus and Rosedale in Antrim and the resumption of permanent admissions to these homes once the consultation process has concluded. Due to the availability of suitable alternative accommodation, the Trust is also proposing to phase out residential care provision at The Roddens in Ballymoney, Westlands in Cookstown and Pinewood in Ballymena. At Westlands, there is potential to develop the site as a community health and social care hub and at Pinewood in Ballymena it is proposed to develop this unit as a rehabilitation facility to cover the Ballymena and Antrim areas. At this point, there are no alternative plans for the use of The Roddens but in common with other statutory organisations, the Trust has a policy of exploring all options in relation to sites which are no longer considered integral to the delivery of Trust services. Una Cunning, Director of Community Care at the Northern Trust said: “It is important that we plan for the future in meeting the needs of older people, in terms of their aspirations and the support services that will be required. There is still a small window of opportunity for people to provide their views and I would encourage anyone who wishes to do so to read the consultation documents and to make their responses before the closure date. All responses will be carefully considered before the Trust’s final proposals are submitted to the Health and Social Care Minister.” Consultation documents are available on the Trust website: www.northerntrust.hscni.net/ or by contacting: Equality Unit. Telephone: 028 2766 1377;Text (SMS): 07825 667 154; Textphone: 028 2766 1377; E-mail: equality.unit@northerntrust.hscni.net. Website: www.northerntrust.hscni.net