Service provision at PCI’s Aaron House

Speaking about the decision, PCI’s Director of Operations, Ken Swarbrick, said,

“We deeply regret the decision that we have had to take. Informing the residents and their families, along with staff, was a difficult thing to do, as Aaron House has always had a strong close knit family ethos about it. As a social care provider, it has always been our desire to provide the best possible care for our residents, some of whom have called Aaron House home for most of their adult lives.

“At the same time, we have always respected the trust that their families have placed in us in caring for their loved ones. We very much appreciate that hearing this news today has not only been upsetting, but distressing, for the considerable uncertainty it creates. We hope that in working with the Health and Social Care Trusts, and actively engaging with other organisations as a matter of urgency, an alternative service provider can be found.”

Mr Swarbrick continued,

“While our staff team, the Health and Social Care Trusts, and other partners have worked tirelessly to support the increasingly complex needs of our residents over the years, following a comprehensive review, our charity trustees have taken the decision to deregister the day care service with RQIA, so we can begin the process of ceasing the service.

“Alongside this, it has been acknowledged by ourselves and the Health and Social Care Trusts that provision of care at this enhanced level, and within the current service model, is no longer possible. Our trustees have therefore also decided that we can no longer continue to deliver the residential service. We have always recognised the importance of these services to those who use and rely on them. This is why these decisions have been so difficult to take, and made only after the utmost careful consideration of all available options, and with the wellbeing, safety, and future care, of our residents and day care users who have been at the forefront of our thinking.

“Our priority remains the wellbeing of our residents and service users, and we are working closely with the Health and Social Care Trusts to ensure that continuity of care and support for our residents and their families, are maintained throughout this process.”

Mrs Yeomans said,

“As Ken has said, we deeply regret the decision that we have come to, as it has been a privilege to support the families and their loved ones for so many years.

“It has, however, become increasingly challenging to continue to deliver the service in a way that meets the standards expected for the people we support in the current financial, recruitment and regulatory environment. We are, however, committed to working closely with families, relevant Health and Social Care Trust staff, and others, to help ensure that appropriate arrangements are put in place and that transitions are managed as smoothly as possible and with dignity, respect, and care.

"We have also assured the families and staff, that we will continue to keep them informed as discussions on an alternative provider progress.”