Care home staff stage walk out protest at council meeting

Angry staff and relatives of residents at two threatened Peterborough care homes stormed out of a meeting last night after being accused of setting an old lady off in tears over the consultation.

The protest came at a meeting of the Scrutiny Commission for Health Issues at Peterborough Town Hall.

The public gallery was full in the main council chamber as the committee held a debate over the future of Greenwood House and Welland House care homes, after a 90 day consultation on their future was launched today.

The walk out happened after Cllr Keith Sharp asked Terry Rich, executive director of adult social care if he was concerned about a potential rise in death rates if elderly residents are moved from care homes.

Mr Rich, referring to a BBC Radio interview earlier this month, replied: “There has been evidence that shows good practice has been developed as more councils across the country have had to make difficult decisions.

“The assistance and commitment of staff, even if their jobs are threatened, to reduce anxiety is crucial – that does not mean setting off old ladies in tears on the radio.”

Following the meeting John Toomey, a Unison representative, said: “Throughout the meeting staff behaved in a dignified way, putting points across, and then sat and listened while other councillors spoke.

“However, when they were accused by Terry Rich of having used a 93-year-old woman they couldn’t contain themselves any longer and left the chamber.”

Earlier in the meeting, the committee had heard from a number of staff members from the two homes, and relatives of residents at the two homes.

Sylvia Robins, whose mother has dementia and stays at Welland House, said: “She needs continuity in her care. She should be able to stay in her home, and die in her own home, and her home is Welland House.”

The meeting also heard from Tony Yiannis, whose mother in law has day care at Welland House. He said: “Before she started going to Welland House, she had become lethargic.

“But since then she is much more positive, and is finding things to do.

“Her whole life style has changed, she is communicating with others and smiling more.”

Cllr Dianne Lamb, who chaired the debate, said the council had spent money on refurbishing the care homes recently.

She said: “I have been to the homes in the last few days, and there has been a lot of refurbishment and money spent. It must have cost at least £100,000 in each. How can you justify this?”

Mr Rich said: “The decisions to refurbish the homes were made in October and November, before it was decided to hold the consultation.”