Fire at Rossdowney House impacts health and social care clients

A fire at Rossdowney House has impacted health and social care clients, according to a spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust). 

The Spokesperson for teh Western Trust said: "A fire was discovered overnight at Rossdowney House, Glendermott Road. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, alongside the PSNI attended the incident which is believed to have been started deliberately.

“Melrose Day Centre which is interconnected to Rossdowney House has been severely impacted by this deliberate fire. Melrose Day Centre delivers vital Adult Mental Health Day Care Services to 40 service users.  The impact of this fire has resulted in 21 service users not being able to attend the Day Centre today (24 April 2023).  These vulnerable service users rely on coming to our Day Centre for support from staff and to engage with other service users and take part in therapeutic activities.

Fire in building on Rossdowney Road

PSNI seeking information

“Staff are currently keeping in contact with service users today and we are assessing the impact over the coming week.  The art therapy room used by our clients has been completely destroyed which will have an impact on what we can deliver to our service users over the coming weeks. This will be devastating for our service users as all their beautiful art work has been destroyed.

“A number of Women and Children’s Services supporting families and young people have also had to be cancelled due to the damage caused to the premises.”

The Spokesperson said this was the second deliberate fire to have occurred at health and social care facilities in Derry in recent weeks. 

“The Trust would appreciate the public's cooperation with the police appeal for information in relation to this incident.”