Past press releases

PRESS RELEASE: 21 October 2004

MENTALLY ILL ELDERLY COULD BE FORCED TO GO PRIVATE WARNS MACK

This came to light when Dr Mack met senior NHS managers responsible for the Older people's service strategy and the proposed closure of Elderly Mentally Infirm Unit's beds in Cygnet House, Long Stratton. During detailed discussions Dr Mack emphasised the importance of NHS continuing care beds in South Norfolk as part of a "holistic" approach to care for the elderly mentally infirm.

"In the local NHS we must be prepared to provide continuity of care, from early diagnosis and treatment, and to meet continuing care needs in those with advanced disease.The proposals as they are currently put forward might well provide the former; we must ensure that they do not as a consequence deprive patients of the latter."

"It became clear to me that the Strategic Health Authority is putting some pressure on the NHS in central Norfolk to cut the number of continuing care beds. As a consequence more and more new patients will be directed towards private nursing home beds, where of course they will have to pay towards their personal care after assessment of their income and savings. This will mean a significant change from the current arrangements in central Norfolk. Patients and their relatives will notice the difference in their pockets. I continue to campaign for free personal care for the elderly, which will end the nonsense of managers and social workers arguing over the difference between "nursing" and "social" needs."

"I am also concerned that the ongoing financial crisis affecting the central Norfolk PCTs is distorting these proposals. We need guarantees that any savings made by service reconfiguration will go into new developments and not be absorbed into PCT recovery plans."

Dr Mack sought reassurance that all the proposals, including the option of retaining Cygnet House would be part of the Consultation document. He was advised this was the case and that it would soon be released to begin public consultation. Managers confirmed that this would include a public meeting in South Norfolk early in the New Year.

ENDS

Notes for editors
1 For more information please contact: Dr Ian Mack 01553 810253 (day), 01366 500942 (eve), 07974961752 (mob), email Docianmack@aol.com
2 The 'central Norfolk PCTs' are Southern Norfolk, Norwich, Broadland and North Norfolk Primary Care Trusts.