Fight goes on for South Tyneside care home’s future

A KEY meeting is being held tonight as the battle continues to save a specialist centre for dementia care in South Tyneside.

There are fears that the council-run Connolly House in Whiteleas, South Shields, could be axed as part of a review of adult social care across the borough.

As part of a six-month consultation process, John Finnon, a spokesman for the Friends of Connolly House group, is to give evidence to a council panel tonight.

The dozen or so members of the Strategic Partners Board are taking evidence to assess whether Connolly House has a long-term future.

The board advises the council on financial policy in areas which include social services.

Mr Finnon, whose elderly mother Norah is a resident at the home, intends to put forward the “financial, moral and social” reasons why it should be saved.

He said: “People ask why it is that private care homes can make a profit, yet it is still cheaper to put patients there than a council home. The answer is that it isn’t cheaper.

“The reasons lie in the council’s accounting systems, which add hugely to the wrong side of the balance sheet and the council’s flawed logic.

“We will make proposals to address these issues. Connolly House is basically an efficient and very effective institution which, of itself, gives good value for money.

He added: “We should all be aware of the recent landmark legal ruling, when it was made quite clear that the primary care trust has
the obligation to meet the care costs of anyone in need of care for primarily health care issues.

“In a nutshell, Alzheimer’s care should be paid for by the PCT.”
Doubts also hang over the future of Beech Street in House in Jarrow and Gerald Street House, South Shields.

A council spokesman said: “All views expressed will be considered before any decisions are taken.”