Following the huge public opposition to Reform’s consultation to close care homes and day centres in Lancashire, they have U-turned on this incredibly unpopular decision and announced that 5 care homes in our county will remain open.
However, the future of our day centres, including the Derby Day Centre here in Ormskirk has not been confirmed and may still be cut.
And on top of this, Cllr Graham Dalton who is responsible for care homes on Lancashire County Council and who himself has declared interests in private care companies has said that future investment in our care homes is reliant on private investment.
Residents who have contacted me about these potential closures are extremely worried about this uncertainty. Many local people have loved ones who attend the Derby Centre and other day centres across Lancashire.
People in West Lancashire have been clear with me. They do not want our care homes or day centres to close and they do not want private companies making profits from the care of our elderly people.
I have written to Cllr Graham Dalton to ask him to confirm on behalf of local residents that:
- The day centres identified in the consultation, including the Derby Day Centre in Ormskirk will remain open
- That our care homes in Lancashire will remain in public ownership, free from private profits
To demonstrate the strength of public opinion in support of keeping the care homes and day centres open, I am launching a petition. If you want to add your name in support of this, please sign below.
Petition
We the undersigned call on Lancashire County Council to keep Council care homes and day centres open.
These homes and centres are a cornerstone of our local community and integral to the care of our elderly people. Care home residents, their family members, friends and neighbours deserve to live in homes they are familiar and comfortable with.
We urge Lancashire County Council to respect the wishes of the community, engage openly with local residents, and work to ensure that the our care homes and day centres remain open for its residents.
Save the care homes!