Tories attack care home hit list!

Bristol Conservative Councillors have attacked plans to axe seven elderly
people's care homes across the city.

Following the so-called Residential Futures review of care homes by the City Council, the Labour-controlled Cabinet has revealed that over half its residential homes will be closed over the next five years.

These include Hayleigh, in Bedminster; St Peter's, Horfield; Birchwood, St Anne's; Gleeson House, Fishponds; Greville, Stockwood; Coombe, Westbury on Trym; and Rockwell, Lawrence Weston.

As a result, over 200 residents will have to be moved to other sites, although the Council claims that no-one will be forced to move home more than once.

The Council's other six homes - together with Vetchlea, in Redfield, which is empty - will be upgraded, with three becoming specialist dementia care centres. But the closure announcement has been criticised by Tory Group Leader Councillor Richard Eddy.

Cllr Eddy (Con, Bishopsworth) said: "The unveiling of this care homes hit-list will undoubtedly alarm residents, families and staff."

"Whilst this is being spun as offering a reprieve to one additional home, this offers precious little comfort for the hundreds of vulnerable people affected."

"Moreover, the Council's long-term planning is looking increasingly shaky with the revelation that Bristol's population is expected to soar by over 130,000 over the next couple of decades - double that previously anticipated."

"The Labour Administration is spinning this closure programme as inevitable because many older people wish to maintain their independence for as long as possible. In fact, Labour is introducing a two-tier service where only a very few can access Council-run residential care."

"Conservative councillors will fight to protect those least able to help themselves and will subject these plans to robust scrutiny before any final decision is taken by Cabinet on 31st July."

Back to Local News Index 19 June 2008