Confidence needs to be restored

Sir, During my time as a local member on North Ayrshire Council (NAC), I was delighted beyond dreams when the then administration, along with good and far-seeing senior social work officers, agreed to the building of the new Montrose House and the purchase of a new site for it against the policy of the council at that time to close care homes in favour of care in the community.

It was acknowledged that islands have different needs and priorities, and the need for respite care on a local island basis is fundamental and now urgent on Arran. It concerns me greatly as a member of the Arran community that this magnificent new facility is unable to fulfil its full function because of a lack of staff.

As an observer, I submit that NAC needs to offer extra incentive in a positive recruitment drive to attract potential local staff and young trainees, perhaps with open days or sessions within Montrose House.

Time has moved on since NAC and the Care Commission were responsible for the dismissal of long-standing and much loved staff, but people have not forgotten this chapter and, perhaps, a repair is necessary to restore confidence in the council as an employer in the residential care sector. The need for Montrose House is greater than ever for an ageing island population.

Yours,

Margie Currie, Blackwaterfoot.