My hopes that dementia care transfer is not just a a cost-cutting exercise

SO here I am sipping my morning coffee, reading the Express and catching up with the local news.

Apparently, services in a care home in Macclesfield could be affected as the council looks to transfer its dementia care to the private sector.

Hollins View on Clarke Terrace Macclesfield currently offers 40 respite and intermediate beds for dementia sufferers and vulnerable adults.

Currently run by Cheshire East council it gives carers a break by accepting dementia patients for respite care as well as looking after patients for short periods after discharge from hospital.

Under the council’s proposals to privatise health care those services provided by Hollins View may be affected.

Coun Janet Clowes CEC’s cabinet member in charge of health and care in the community said: “This council believes in putting residents first.”

Yep, I get that so what’s the plan?

“As part of that continual review, the proposal is that dementia respite should be provided in the independent sector.”

Mmm...so in an effort to look after some of the most vulnerable residents CEC propose to transfer responsibility for their care to the private sector.

I’m pondering the logic of that when I turn the page and read of a local care home that has been ‘slammed by inspectors for failing to protect the elderly.’

In fact it failed to meet six of the seven essential standards of quality and safety set out by the Care and Quality Commission.

So I can’t help wondering why Cheshire East think the needs of the most vulnerable in society will be better served by transferring responsibility for their care to a private company?

I suspect it’s a cost- cutting exercise dressed up as an act of compassion but hey... that’s just me.

If this proposal affects you or your family perhaps you would give me your opinion.

‘I suspect it’s a costcutting exercise’