Vow to keep up fight for Swansea care home

Campaigners fighting to keep a respite care unit open have vowed not to throw in the towel. A recent Swansea Council report has recommended that 17-bed facility Earlsmoor should close, following a lengthy consultation process.

It says running the centre, which costs around £700,000 a year, is too pricey and taxpayers’ money for care services could be used better.

The final decision is yet to be rubbed-stamped, with Swansea Council cabinet members still to give the recommendation their seal of approval.

Unison regional organiser Glyn Jones said he was deeply disappointed by the report’s recommendations, but stressed the fight was not over.

He said: “No final decision has been taken on Earlsmoor. The council report is merely a recommendation. We hope that cabinet members will make a realistic decision and understand how valuable Earlsmoor is.

“It is the best service that can be provided to the kind of people its looks after.”

Earlsmoor, situated in Bryn Road, Brynmill, has won praise over the years for its care services. Previous patients and their families have described the unit as a “lifeline” and as giving them “more dignity” than a residential home.

But last year, questions about Earlsmoor’s future were raised when Swansea Council said it was considering closing it down.

After months of consultation, a report by the council’s Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Overview Board said it supported that view.

The report also highlighted the cost of staying at Earlsmoor was £529.80 per week.

This was compared with £419 per week at an independent care home or a daily two-hour visit from a care-worker, priced at £210 per week.

Nick Tregoning, cabinet member for social services said: “Whatever happens to the unit, Swansea Council is pledged to provide residential respite care in modern facilities for those who need it.”