Thousands Sign Petition Against Care Home Closures

Over 2,100 signatures have been submitted to Kingston Council petitioning against the closure of either The Newent Day Centre or the Hobkirk House care centres. The matter was debated at a council meeting after the Conservatives raised a motion urging the Lib Dems not to go ahead with the closures.

Councillor David Fraser, who organised the petition, said: “I’ve been a social worker for 40 years now. I’ve had the experience of closing a home in the Wimbledon community. It was the most stressful work I’ve ever done. Six elderly people, who were in reasonable health were moved, and four died within a few months.”

Kingston’s two MPs have also gone on the record with their concerns.
Susan Kramer, MP for Kingston and Richmond Park, said: “I understand the financial pressures on the council but I also recognise the concerns of people who use day care services when there is any change to the pattern of care. I will be seeking further information from the council about the impact of the plans and will monitor any concerns I receive from people about this issue.”

Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton said: “I have spoken to a number of constituents and talked at length to councillors. It is important the quality of care is not reduced and people see the same staff. Kingston provides some of the best elderly care in London.

There’s the Amy Woodhouse Centre, Devon Way. It is about the quality of care not buildings. There has been a massive increase in the last five years spent in elderly care”