Lynn and Stoke Ferry care homes to close?
TWO West Norfolk homes for mentally handicapped adults look set to close to give residents a more independent life.
Patients living in NHS campus accommodation at Birch Tree Close in Lynn and Great Mans Way in Stoke Ferry, could be supported in their own homes.
Nineteen people in Lynn and three in Stoke Ferry, out of a total of 62 across Norfolk, are affected. It is hoped to resettle them by May 2009.
The Government has directed that NHS residential accommodation offering hospital-type services to people with learning difficulties should be closed across the country.
Norfolk Primary Care Trust's interim director of learning difficulties, Bob Mee, said many residents did not need to live in long-term NHS facilities. "They could live a much more independent life in a home of their own with the appropriate community-based support," he explained.
The needs and welfare of the residents concerned and the concerns of their relatives were of paramount importance in the move. There was no expectation that people would move in with family carers.
The overall priority would be to deliver a needs-led and person-centred service. Many individuals would have their own home and their own tenancy agreement coupled with 24-hour staff support if needed.
The PCT's partner in the Norfolk Learning Difficulty Service is Norfolk County Council. A spokesman said: "The majority, if not all, of the individuals will continue to receive 24-hour care with levels of staffing appropriate to their needs. For some, it could be that registered care or nursing care is the best way forward."
Mr Mee stressed that there would be no cost-saving. The Department of Health is due to give 175 million nationally towards the strategy.
Do you know anyone who will be affected by the proposed closures? If so, please contact our newsdesk on 01553 817323.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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