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Parish Councillor Veronica Humphrey addressed the ESCC Cabinet Meeting on 29th July 2003 as follows:-
I have read the Recommendations and needless to say I am disappointed to see the last few words in note 6. to continue the embargo on admitting long stay residents.
I would ask that consideration be given to deleting them; even if conditions have to be imposed on any person entering Harvard Road for long term care.
The main purpose of the campaign and the backing received by the many village organisations was to retain our Home to provide some long term care. Although I realize that you are viewing this from the wider County angle; to us, for the minority of people needing long term care, Harvard Road has always been a continuance of their lives an integral part of our community.
Many of our elderly that we are now discussing have voluntarily made huge contributions to the community during their lives. We do not wish to repay their hard work by banishing them when they are no longer of any use to us. How can we expect younger generations to show respect when we are showing none ourselves ?
We have heard about the eleven residents of a private home in Kent who had to be moved when the home would no longer accept the amount Kent pay I also sent you details about a Ringmer lady who was asked to leave a private home after three years when her money ran out. If we allow our home to be taken out of the public sector how are we to ensure this will not happen in Harvard Road?
If alternative funding is to be sought then our fear is that we would lose control over our Home. If we could be assured that the control would remain in the public sector then I am sure we would be pleased to see any possibilities explored.
In the meantime are we, as a village, really being unreasonable in asking for our Home to cater for at least a few long term residents. These people should have a right to remain in their village. Many of them would be self-funding and therefore paying the full cost yet they have been turned away when a request has been made to go into Harvard Road.
I ask that you carefully consider this issue as in some instances the result of your decision will force on our elderly villagers the manner in which they end their lives.
Other than the comments I have just made, I am pleased to know that our Home is now unlikely to close. I hope that my campaign will have been worthwhile and that we can look forward to having a Home to care for our elderly in Harvard Road for many years to come.
Could I please also ask to be kept informed as to how negotiations towards a future for our Home are proceeding? Veronica Humphrey (29.7.03) . |
