Care home unit to close this summer
Dismay as residents face uncertain future
A Rutherglen care home unit will close in August.
Patients and their families at the Limetree unit in Rutherglen Care Home were informed of the decision over the weekend.
However, they have not yet been given any details on where they will be moving to, or how patients will be cared for next.
And some family members have been left angry that their ill relatives were told of the decision without having family around them for support – for the second time in a matter of weeks.
Sharon Easton, whose 78-year-old mum Margaret resides in the facility, said: “My mum was quite upset because it has came around so quickly and there’s still so much uncertainty about it all.
“At the end of the day, that’s her home now and she’s been told she’ll be moving out within two months, but they haven’t said where, or given her any other details.
“It feels like they just want the patients cleared out as soon as possible.
“I’m really not happy about how they’ve handled telling us – it’s exactly the same way they told my mum at first, without having any family members around her for support. Once again, that has just left her distressed.”
A fortnight ago, patients at the unit – which specialises in palliative care – were told the facility was to close.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde then stated some patients may remain at the unit, but have now confirmed the August closure.
The Reformer understands there are currently 10 patients residing there.
Last week we revealed the unit had been considered a “savings target” by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde since at least 2016.
Limetree is still run by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, rather than NHS Lanarkshire, dating back to a lease agreement signed in 1990.
The other units at Rutherglen care home are not threatened with closure.
An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spokesperson said: “Staff from Glasgow City HSCP are meeting individually with each patient and family members to discuss how the changes will affect them.
“Our priority is to make sure that these patients receive good quality care in the most suitable setting for them. We expect these changes to come into effect by August.”