Anger over closure of three East Sussex care homes

THE planned closure of three care homes has come under fire from a local county councillor. East Sussex County Council’s cabinet agreed to shut down St. Anthony’s Court in Eastbourne, Gilda Crescent in Polegate and Grangemead in Hailsham later this year in a bid to restructure its care services and reduce costs.

Those requiring intermediate care when they come out of hospital would instead be visited in their own home, under the residential and community-based Living at Home Service.

The closure of Grangemead came in spite of the fact it was originally due to be expanded and take on services from Gilda Crescent and St. Anthony’s Court.

Polegate and Willingdon county councillor Stephen Shing said, “In October 2007 and July 2008, our residents were led to believe that residential care services for older people in Gilda Crescent would be transferred to Grangemead.

“It is very disappointing to learn that this is not the case and the council decided to close down both centres.

“The residential care services for older people in Gilda Crescent has been of a very good standard.
“In addition, the survey carried out by the council in 2007 indicated that staff, users and their families and relatives were very pleased with their service.”

County council bosses recommended the closure of Grangemead and Gilda Crescent after admitting ‘cash-releasing efficiencies’ had to be made.

But director of adult social care Keith Hinkley insisted the changes would allow more people to access intermediate care services.

An East Sussex County Council spokesperson said, “Cabinet decided to follow the recommendation to close Gilda Crescent, Grangemead and St Anthony’s.

“This means the current bed-based intermediate care services will, in future, largely be delivered directly in peoples’ own homes, as well as the existing bed-based services at (Eastbourne care homes] Firwood House and Milton Grange, which is due to reopen in the autumn following a £1.6 million refurbishment and expansion.

“These proposals mean we will be able to provide care and support to many more people, thus reducing the likelihood of delays in hospitals despite the increasing number of people requiring support from the county council when they leave hospital.”