Support
escalates for campaign to save John Aird House
Care
facility threatened with closure under Council plans for the elderly
Opposition
to the closure of John Aird House is gathering far reaching support.
The home in situated in Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, houses 19
elderly residents whose health is feared for should they have to
be moved.
This week saw the Council�s decision the subject of Hounslow's Scrutiny
and Overview Committee, where yet again Councillors were met by
sizeable and vocal opposition by protestors.
Yvonne Hossack, a campaigning lawyer who founded Elderly People
in Crisis (EPIC) has taken on the cause. However, she expressed
her fury at not being allowed to speak on behalf of the families
of residents at the meeting citing a clause in the Human Rights
Act. She rationalized that the council is elected by local people
to represent them and that it is the council�s duty to seek all
the information available.
However, in vindication of the decision not to allow Ms Hossack
to speak, Cllr Lamey, the Committee�s Chairperson stated that it
was an gathering session and the issue is by no means finished.
She expressed her wish that all councillors be able to ask all the
questions they need.
Accusations of �not considering implications and the impact on the
elderly resident�s health� were made by members of the council against
the Executive Committee. Also a number of members queried the logic
of the closure given that it had been widely accepted that John
Aird House met the basic targets of the National Care Standards.
In defence of the Executive�s decision, Councillor Lal said the
judgment had been made given the information available at the time
and that the closure was part of a move by the council to accommodate
the changing needs of the elderly within the borough. He insisted
the closure was not about making cuts or saving money.'
Donal MacIntyre of BBC investigation fame has been attending meetings
for a planned documentary later this year. A spokesperson for the
show explained that �John Aird House is a prime example of the issue
of home closures which seem to be very prevalent. We want to know
why and raise awareness of this issue.''
Local
MP Ann Keen said, "I am pleased that the appropriate bodies
are continuing to talk as this is a serious and distressing issue,
however at the same time we must continue to drive up standards
for our older residents. I am confident that the democratic process
has been followed and that the council Executive will continue the
dialogue with the residents and relatives to find a satisfactory
outcome.�
April
29, 2003
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