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Down & Connor diocese sells west Belfast care home

Our Lady's Home in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann
Our Lady's Home in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann Our Lady's Home in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

THE Catholic Church is to sell a west Belfast care home and hospice to a private company.

Our Lady's Care Home at Ardnava Road off Falls Road opened in 1932 and was managed by the Sisters of Mercy and later the Diocese of Down & Connor.

It has 86 beds and offers 24 hour nursing care to frail, older people and the older mentally infirm, as well as day care facilities.

The diocese said that it began the process to transfer ownership to "experienced operators" the Macklin Group.

Following a review of the provision of care, the diocese said it had "become increasingly clear that the necessary competencies to run a care home in the 21st century are best provided by specialists in that sector.

"For this reason and for the long term interests of residents, their families, carers and the staff of the home it has been decided, after a lengthy period of deliberation, to transfer ownership of the home to experienced operators."

It is expected the transfer will be complete by the end of August.

The diocese said the "continuity of care and the well-being of the residents" had been a priority through the process, as had ensuring that all staff will keep their jobs. It also sought assurances that the chaplaincy services and the spiritual and pastoral care services will be retained.

Under the new arrangements, the Sisters of Mercy will continue to reside in the adjacent convent.