We’ve heard of much confusion during the course of today in relation to the future of Westminster House, a respite care home in Newport for adults with learning disabilities.
Last week, the Cabinet voted to close the facility and relocate the service to retirement care homes, The Gouldings in Freshwater and The Adelaide in Ryde.
Consultation announced
Earlier today, the council press office issued a press release stating that the council would be instigating a consultation process with “service users and the wider community” on “plans to transfer respite care services away from Westminster House in Newport”.
Many people believed this meant that Westminster House might not close afterall and that they’d have three months to convince the council of the importance of keeping the facility open.
Not so.
Recommendation to close still on agenda
Despite the announcement of the consultation period, the papers sent to all county councillors today, just 24 hours in advance of tomorrow’s full council meeting, are very clear.
“Accept the recommendation of the “Whole Life Group” to relocate the current services provided at Westminster House to The Gouldings and The Adelaide as its preferred option.
Officers are now asked to undertake a 90 day formal consultation with service users, carers, staff and other interested parties on this option.”
The recommendation is to close the facility and then run a consultation period for ‘those parties interested in that option‘.
Note, it’s not to run a consultation period for those not interested in that option, that is, anyone opposed to the closure.
Much more on the proposed closure of Westminster House to come on VB in due course, including interviews with carers and a member of the Whole Life Group.
Image: Rob Gallop under CC BY-ND 2.0
