John Aird House Given Reprieve

Scrutiny panel suggests allowing elderly residents to spend their remaining days at home before closure

Campaigners against the closure of John Aird House claimed victory this week as Hounslow Council's Scrutiny and Overview Committee urged the Executive Committee to reconsider their decision.

The crux of the argument against the closure of John Aird House, currently home to 18 elderly residents, is the fear that moving such frail people could have serious, even fatal consequences. Representatives from Hounslow Social Services were unable to dispel these fears and so the Scrutiny & Overview Panel, unanimously, decided that the closure decision should be reconsidered.

It was also at this April 28th meeting that the new option of allowing the elderly residents to spend their remaining days at the home, whilst filling the empty beds with respite care patients, was put forward. Family members of residents expressed their hopes for a favourable and speedy conclusion to the distressing situation.

Yvonne Hossack, the lawyer acting on behalf of the residents, expressed her delight claiming that �This has been the most careful scrutiny I've seen. Despite my fears, it was clear to me last week that having read Joly's report, Councillors showed humanity in their decision tonight. I hope that this will be used as an example of good practice with Council's everywhere.''

Ann Keen MP, who has been following the situation closely, told ChiswickW4.com �I am pleased that the appropriate bodies are continuing to talk, as this is a serious and distressing issue. 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.''

Resolution of this matter now lies in the hands of the Executive Committee. However, they do have the right to reject the Scrutiny & Overview Committee's proposal in which case it would become a subject for the full council.

May 2, 2003

Support escalates for threatened home for the elderly