Fears over care as jobs axe looms at Oakridge rest home

WORRIED relatives fear for the safety of their loved ones if staff levels are cut at a Basingstoke nursing home. Hampshire County Council has announced plans to shed 12.6 full-time equivalent jobs from Oakridge Nursing Home, in Jefferson Road, Oakridge – more than 20 per cent of the workforce.

The 34-bed home, which specialises in care for elderly residents suffering from dementia is owned by the county council, which is having to make cutbacks across all departments to plug a £55million black hole.

Sophie Martinez, of Saxon Way, Lychpit, said her family will consider moving her grandmother if the quality of care drops. She fears there will not be enough staff to ensure the safety and security of residents.

Her 81-year-old grandmother has lived at Oakridge Nursing Home for the last 15 months.

Mrs Martinez said of the county council: “They are looking at figures on a spreadsheet rather than what the human impact will be.

“The care there is fantastic. All the people who work there are brilliant.”

“While we wouldn’t want to move my grandmother, if they are going to cut the staffing and affect her care, then ultimately her safety has to be our priority.”

Labour borough councillor Laura James, a member for Norden ward, which includes the nursing home, said: “This is a clear cut to frontline services. With a 20 per cent cut, it is no wonder people are concerned.

“It is another example of the most vulnerable people being hit hardest.”

The county council expects a final decision on the cuts will be made in early June.

Cllr Felicity Hindson, executive member for adult social care, said: “I would like to reassure Basingstoke residents, their families and the community that the proposals are designed to ensure the quality of care will be maintained in our homes.

“All homes will have activities co-ordinators who will support frontline staff delivering care.

“The staff restructure within our residential and nursing homes is to ensure we offer services consistently and in the most cost-effective way, while still continuing to offer the same high quality care they have come to expect.

“I do understand that change is difficult. Hamp-shire County Council is very proud of the quality of care delivered through the residential and nursing homes and we are determined to maintain this.”