By Conor Sharkey
RELATIVES of Greenfield residents have welcomed last week's impromptu visit to the home by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.
The Minister spent an hour speaking with staff and residents after arriving unannounced on Thursday.
While Mr McGimpsey has played down the visit, Brian Mooney of the Concerned Relatives group said he would be disappointed if a tour of the home did not influence the Minister's final decision.
"The Minister is playing his cards very close to his chest but it is laudible that he took the time to go, look and inspect Greenfield and talk to the residents there.
"I can understand why he gave very little notice, so he could see the home as it is. He may have to make a decision shortly and it's good that he came down unannounced, saw the facility in its everyday setting and spoke to staff. It will allow him a full feel for the place and the work that goes on there," Mr Mooney said.
On his own personal feelings how the Minister's final decision, which is expected within two weeks, will go, Mr Mooney said he remains cautiously optimistic.
"On one hand there are financial constraints but there is also strong opposition from every political party in Strabane, from the churches and from the MLA's. He has to realise the depth of feeling this proposal has engendered.
"I would be very disappointed in the democratic process if we got nothing at this end of this campaign. I would be surprised, disappointed and to be honest, a little angry, if the Trust, in their submission to the Minister said 'we consulted widely on this but we are still going to close Greenfield'. I would be equally disappointed if Mr McGimpsey came back, now having visited staff and residents and said yes, the home should still close," Mr Mooney added.
Sinn Féin's Michaela Boyle, who, alongside MLA Claire McGill, has been campaigning for the retention of Greenfield said she too thought the visit was a positive sign.
"I would welcome the visit on the back of the presentations made at Stormont last week and we have to acknowledge that he took time out to come to Strabane. We don't want to read too much into it, but it does give some hope, particularly coupled with the campaigning that has been going on," Ms Boyle said.
