Petition protest over Bramwell Care Centre sell off

Campaigners fighting plans to sell off a Nottinghamshire care home have handed in a 2,500-signature petition to the county council.

The Bramwell Centre near Beeston is one of 12 homes being sold to the private sector as part of a savings plan.

Opponents of the plan insist Bramwell should be kept in public hands because it provided specialist care for those with Alzheimer’s disease.

But officials said quality of care would be a priority for new owners.

‘High standards’

Norman Lewis, whose wife Beryl uses the facility, said selling it is just wrong.

“It is not well thought out, it was a panic decision over the financial situation,” he said.

“Beryl comes for three days a week and that gives me a break to do other things, to catch up with things without having to think for two people.

“It takes that responsibility away from me.”

The council said the vast majority of people whose care it funds are already in the private sector and the decision to sell the homes was taken after a public consultation.

Councillor Kevin Rostance, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “No council home will be sold unless we are satisfied that residents will continue to receive a high standard of care. All homes are inspected by the Care Quality Commission.

“Any care homes that remain unsold will continue to be run by Nottinghamshire County Council.

“Some homes, including Bramwell, receive joint funding from the Primary Care Trusts. We will continue to work closely with the NHS to ensure proper provision is made for local people and current services continue to be available.”

He added money from the sale would be reinvested in adult care.

The council is also considering handing over a number of services, including catering and highways, to the private sector as a way of saving £120m over the next four years.