Legal bid to save Lynn home
THE parents of a woman with severe learning difficulties will legally challenge plans to close her Lynn care home – a move they fear would damage her health.
Bill (59) and Jeanette Butt (64) have instructed a solicitor and are seeking a judicial review over Norfolk Primary Care Trust's decision to stringently adhere to the Government's policy on the matter.
Mr and Mrs Butt also plan to start a petition to pressurise health bosses to think again over the future of Birch Tree Close, off London Road.
The couple, whose daughter Tracey (43) has been a resident for six years, were distraught to learn the NHS centre and one in Great Mans Way, Stoke Ferry, are to close as part of a Government policy to scrap "campus accommodation" in favour of greater care in the community.
Around 19 vulnerable Lynn residents and a further three in Stoke Ferry will be forced to move and despite meetings this week parents still don't know where their children will end up living.
Now Mr and Mrs Butt's solicitor has written to the Norfolk learning disabilities services warning plans to resettle Tracey are "essentially unlawful" and outlining a case for judicial review.
The couple have vowed fight the closure "every inch of the way" and also plan to lobby the Government, contact Prince Charles and, if necessary, take Tracey's case to the European Court of Human Rights.
Mr Butt, of Low Road, Congham, explained: "We went down the legal route because we didn't seem to be getting anywhere. I can't understand why the PCT needs to alter things – everything we have ever wanted for Tracey is there.
"It seems to me the old saying if it isn't broken, don't fix it, applies."
Ironically, the last few months have seen extensive refurbishment work at the bungalows, including redecoration, and improvements to the kitchens and bathrooms.
Mrs Butt added: "The closure will definitely have an effect on Tracey's health.
"It will mean new carers will have to adjust to her health problems and her own personal sign language.
"It could make her very depressed.
"I will take this as far as I can."
Carers and representatives from the health services met on Wednesday to discuss what happens next, but Mr Butt said there was no opportunity for parents to express their views on the closure which was presented as not being "up for discussion."
He explained: "I was asking a lot of embarrassing questions and was saying things they didn't want the other parents to hear."They said it was not really up for discussion because the Government has said it's got to close.
"They were saying Tracey would have all the choices she wants in her new accommodation, but she can't make decisions."
The couple were forced to leave the meeting early after Mr Butt suffered an angina attack brought on by stress.
"Regardless of what it does to my health, I want to see Tracey properly provided for," he added.
Mr Tim O'Rourke, business manager for Norfolk learning difficulties services said: "The NHS campuses, by definition, provide an outmoded and service-led model of care which makes it difficult for individuals to be in control over how they live their lives."
But parents, North West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham and Mencap West Norfolk feel Birch Tree Close Should be treated as a special case because it provides everything in small family units already and is not an "institution."
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
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