The Strangford MLA said: “I am outraged at these plans to close several residential care homes and a minor injuries unit in the Trust area.
“These closures would deprive local people of frontline services in the South Eastern region. Devolution was meant to be all about delivering better services, not closing vital ones.
“Last week we heard of plans from the Western Health Trust to close four residential care homes, this week we hear of more.
“This drip-feed of information on closures is scandalous. Fears are building in many areas about the loss of vital services, and Minister Michael McGimpsey has a number of important questions to answer to clarify these matters.
“Efficiency savings should not come at the cost of frontline services. Over £1 billion is being wasted annually on maintaining segregation in Northern Ireland. Getting rid of division would mean that cuts like this in our health service would not have to happen.”
ENDS