UNISON Press Release

Statement from Anne Speed, Head of Bargaining, UNISON NI

“Developments on financial difficulties for two main investors in Four Seasons UK have raised alarm bells with UNISON NI.

While the company has moved to reassure staff and clients that the homes will continue to operate as normal, the worry and concern that is created for patients and staff is growing.

UNISON is the union with a substantial membership across the 55 homes here and we have raised questions directly with the company and the Department of Health.

We have written to all 5 Trusts and sought their reassurance that they will take responsibility for their patients residing in these homes.

We have also sought a response from the Department of Health that they will immediately engage with the company and the administrator on how stability can be restored to their operation.

UNISON firmly believes that social and health care is best delivered as a public services.

As our ageing population grows we cannot to operate with a long term strategy that relies on the private sector and the vagaries of the market place.”