Derry Rosebud respite care facility for under 18s will be ready by May says Health Minister Robin Swann

The Health Minister Robin Swann said he understood the Rosebud facility for under-18s on the Racecourse Road would open at the end of this month.

“Londonderry’s short break facility, Rosebud Cottage, has recently been relocated to Racecourse Road with an anticipated opening date of April 30, 2020.

“The Western Health and Social Care Trust is aware of the impact on families over recent months due to the unavailability of services.

“In lieu of the availability of short break facilities in Rosebud, families have been offered alternatives such as access to services in Avalon (a short break service in Omagh) or Self Directed Support,” stated Mr. Swann.

The minister outlined the progress in response to Foyle MLA Karen Mullan who asked him why the Western Health and Social Care Trust held “no waiting lists for short-term breaks or respite for under 18 year olds in the Derry city area when a number of families have had their respite stopped over six months ago”.

Mr. Swann said lists would be re-launched once the service was up-and-running.

“This again is based on on-going assessed need. Once the service in Rosebud Cottage is operational, a waiting list will be re-established in order to assist managers to prioritise services for those most in need,” said Mr. Swann.

Health Minister Robin Swann.