SURREY TORY MISMANAGEMENT HITS ELDERLY RESIDENTS
The announcement by the Conservative administration at Surrey County Council that they want close down the six residential homes they still own and run; Brockhurst in Ottershaw, Cobgates in Farnham, Dormers in Caterham, Longfield in Cranleigh, Park Hall in Reigate and Pinehurst in Camberley; came as little surprise to some councillors but must have been a shock to the elderly people who live there and their families.
Cllr Fiona White, Lib Dem spokesperson on Adults Social Care commented: "The reason given at the Surrey County Council Cabinet meeting was that the homes don't meet today's standards and that it would cost too much to update them. For many years Surrey County Council have failed to modernise the buildings and have even failed to update such things as carpets and furniture, so the council only have themselves to blame. Now many old people face having to move out of their homes and excellent, caring staff face possible redundancies.
"The members of the Conservative Cabinet said time and again how good the staff are and how high the standards of care in the substandard buildings which means that the only people responsible for this situation are the Conservatives who have almost exclusively controlled the council for over 40 years.
"Conservatives keep telling us they are economically competent but what competent organisation allows its physical assets to fall into such a poor condition that they are not suitable for today's levels of care?
"Before the homes close, the Conservatives are carrying out a consultation exercise. Among those they say they will consult or keep informed are people who live in the homes or who go there for respite care or day care; the families and carers of people who use the homes for care services; Surrey County Council staff including people working at the care homes and outside organisations including people who run independent care homes. It is important that as many people as possible let the council know what they think of the proposals. It is essential that Surrey County Council pays real attention to the responses, including being prepared to rethink their closure proposals if there is strong opposition."