Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “The decision by three Health Trusts to close all their care homes was illogical and irrational. There are still questions to be asked of how much Edwin Poots knew about these decisions.
“These announcements created a great sense of confusion and fear among the residents of these care homes.
“The Health Minister cannot simply force people into the private sector. While many would want to stay in their own home, the Minister has a duty to provide residential care home services.
“Those who attended the rally voiced their anger at the Minister’s poor handling of this situation. He has yet to reassure us that he is acting in the best interests of the residents of these care homes.”
ENDS