Union bosses in blast over closure plans for care home
UNION chiefs have condemned plans to shut a council-run city care facility.
They claim if the doors of Earlsmoor respite care centre are closed for good it would cut off support to some of the most vulnerable people in society.
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Earlsmoor in Brynmill
The Brynmill facility primarily cares for elderly patients who have just left hospital.
In June, Swansea Council first unveiled plans to shake up care services across the city.
It followed an in-depth study, which suggested the traditional one-size-fits-all approach should make way for a more flexible service that could support people more effectively.
Under the plan, it said the future of Earlsmoor would also have to be considered.
But a spokesman for Unison said the union believed it was vital to ensure the service was sustained in the future.
He said: "This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday, surely it is fitting the council remembers the needs of the elderly by retaining a vital and popular service rather than cutting it?
"Although the council say that they are going to develop new services — which is welcome — by closing Earlsmoor, this is robbing Peter to pay Paul, and is in reality a cut in support disguised by progressive rhetoric. "Where are those elderly people who use Earlsmoor going to go? How will their carers cope if they are unable to have a break that Earlsmoor provides?"
He added: "There are currently no alternative new services in place, and no answer from the council about what support will be provided to those that regularly use the service — most of whom probably do not know the councils plans.
"So much for 'con- sultation' with the very people who use the service."
The union spokesman said he believed the centre still had a role to play in the future of respite services in the city.
"Earlsmoor could be at the centre both of the current respite provision, and any new flexible services the council say they will develop,'' he said.
"We demand the council think again before it cuts support for the elderly and their carers."
A campaign meeting to save Earlsmoor is being held on Wednesday, at Brynmill Community Centre, on St Alban's Road, in Brynmill, at 7pm. It is open to council staff, the public, trade unions, service users and their carers.
3 Comments
by susan, swansea
Tuesday, November 10 2009, 12:57PM
“Earlsmoor provides a much needed service for the elderly and their carers.
It provides respite care in a homely residential setting, where the elderly can socialize and interact with their peers.
The carers know their loved ones are safe, comfortable and extremely well cared for, whilst they have a break from their caring, and often quite demanding role.
The councils' plans to close Earlsmoor are criminal.
Yes, it is important to offer choice, and alternative forms of respite should be available, for those that want other options, but these choices must be in ADDITION to, rather than INSTEAD of , the invaluable respite setting that Earlsmoor provides.”
by kirsty, swansea
Sunday, November 08 2009, 11:20PM
“my mother-in law stayed in this care home for two weeks, after leaving there, she pledged she would neve go back! its a good idea to shake things up! maybe then it can look after residents properly!”
by Tracy, Mumbles
Sunday, November 08 2009, 8:10PM
“There are some discrepancies in this report,
1. earlsmoor does not primarily offer support for people who have just left Hospital anymore. It provides respite for people and has a long waiting list.
2. The council cut Social care last January not June this year by taking away the rapid response service that provided 6 weeks free care at home for Hospital Discharges.
3. Half of Earlsmoor has already been shut since January this year , this was the part that supported Hospital discharge.
4. How come all other Local authoritiesin Britain still provide 6 weeks free care for Elderly who need short term care and Swansea cut this service a year ago ?
How are they allowed to do this without consulting the service users ?
Someone must have an answer . perhaps someone in the union can find out , Yehh I bet.
Puppets , thats all they are”