MPs call for meeting over care home closures plan

Image source, Google

Image caption, The Grange care home in Eckington is under threat of closure
  • Author, George Torr
  • Role, BBC News, Derby

Derbyshire MPs have criticised a consultation on the potential closure of 11 council-run care homes, labelling it "seriously flawed".

In a letter to Derbyshire County Council leader Barry Lewis, nine Labour MPs said they were prepared to work with the authority to find alternatives.

The consultation is set to end on Wednesday, August 7.

North East Derbyshire MP, Louise Jones, said: "We want to sit down with the council to discuss this as soon as possible."

The MPs said a decision to close the "vital services" would have a "devastating impact on so many lives".

Trade union Unison previously said cuts to council budgets will amount to about £32m over the next 12 months - mainly focused on adults and children's social care.

The council said there has been a fall in demand for traditional residential homes as more people prefer to remain at home, and it needs to focus resources on providing care for people with dementia.

Image source, UK Parliament

Image caption, Louise Jones, MP for North East Derbyshire

Ms Jones said she was concerned about the wider proposals, including to The Grange in Eckington, which sits in her constituency and is earmarked for closure.

"They haven't been told about alternatives and where they have they've been inappropriate," she added.

"We want to have a health impact assessment on these residents if they are moved because the care needs and them moving is particularly stressful - you can't just cart them around."

Ms Jones said the change of government meant Health Secretary Wes Streeting is looking into options for social care and urged a sit down meeting with the council's leadership to discuss proper alternatives.

But she added Mr Lewis's response did not include an agreement to meet with the MPs on this issue alone.

Image caption, Derbyshire County Council leader Barry Lewis

Mr Lewis said: "We have sent a response and we are intending to meet the MPs over the next week or two on a range of matters for which they can bring this up.

"We want as many people to take part in the consultation - particularly from people who have had a poor experience of dementia services in Derbyshire - that's the key thing we're trying to improve it's about service improvement ."

The care homes under threat are:

  • Briar Close, Borrowash
  • Bennerley Fields, Cotmanhay
  • Castle Court, Swadlincote
  • Florence Shipley, Heanor
  • The Grange, Eckington
  • Lacemaker Court, Long Eaton
  • The Leys, Ashbourne
  • New Bassett House, Shirebrook
  • Rowthorne, Swanwick
  • Thomas Colledge, Bolsover
  • Whitestones, Chapel-en-le-Frith

The day centres at risk of closure are:

  • Blackwell Day Centre, Bolsover
  • Eccles Fold Resource Centre, Chapel-en-le-Frith
  • Fabrick Day Services, Clay Cross
  • Hasland Resource Centre, Chesterfield
  • Jubilee Centre, New Mills
  • Queen's Court, Buxton
  • Shirevale Resource Centre, Shirebrook
  • Valley View Day Centre, Bolsover

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