MSP BACKS CARE HOME CAMPAIGN AMID BED BLOCKING CLAIMS

Please update your Flash Player to view content.

Advertise Now

Click here to place an advert in the Dunoon Observer

Got a News Story ?

Click here to let us know about it

Home

News

The News

MSP BACKS CARE HOME CAMPAIGN AMID BED BLOCKING CLAIMS

Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 February 2013 11:56 Written by Colin Cameron Tuesday, 26 February 2013 11:27

< Prev		Next >

Argyll and Bute SNP MSP, Michael Russell, has stepped into the row over the threatened closure of Struan Lodge – demanding that action to close the Dunoon care home be suspended.

Speaking after a visit to Struan Lodge, Mr Russell said: “The council needs to work with the community to find a way forward that keeps Struan Lodge in existence even if run by others.

“It is regarded as being one of the best care homes in the area and the residents - including six who are over 90 and two who are over 100 - deserve more than displacement and re-housing, some of them for a second time.

“Finding a better way forward for them and the community will take some time and accordingly I am asking the council today to agree to suspend any further action.”

Mr Russell went on to claim that bed blocking within the NHS-run Dunoon Hospital has already begun due to the council suspending admissions to Struan Lodge.

He commented: “I am also asking them (Argyll and Bute Council) to lift the bar on admissions, not least because it is already leading to bed blocking in the local hospital which has an in-patient who cannot be moved because the council has told Struan Lodge to help no one else.”

Mr Russell concluded: “I would be happy to work with Cllrs Breslin and Blair, other local councillors, Dunoon Community Council and the wider community in Cowal in the campaign for Struan Lodge.”

More in this week’s Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard.

Comments

+8 #6 Margaret 2013-03-05 20:07

Care must be provided for the elderly of Dunoon, but all costs must be considered. If alternative homes are available and the standard is the same as Strone lodge why not use them? Bed blocking is taking up places in hospital that are needed for people who are sick.

Quote

+13 #5 sharon 2013-03-05 09:32

I currently work at Ardenlee Care home and have worked as a care assistant at Straun Lodge. I feel the care and support provided to residents in both homes is excellent. All the staff I have worked with in both homes are dedicated, caring and passionate about providing a high qulaity of care and support to residents. If there is bed blocking within Dunoon hospital due to admissions being suspended at Straun Lodge, perhaps the LA should consider using other homes in the area to release hospital beds. This does not have to be a permanent placement, many people come to Ardenlee for short term stays until beds are available in their first choice home. Ardenlee currently has empty rooms and would welcome people for a short or long term stay. We have recently had our Care Inspection and as Fred has suggested it is essential for anyone considering residential care to read inspection reports. I would also suggested visiting the home to have a look around and meet the staff and manager

Quote

-11 #4 trigger 2013-03-01 10:27

Having worked in most of the care homes in Dunoon but not working as a care home employee Struan Lodge is by far the best in the area both for staff and facilities.

Quote

+9 #3 FRED 2013-02-28 08:02

In response to Rosemary Clark-

Please note I didn't say there were better homes. I said there are Care Homes in the Dunoon area "which are just as good with similar ratings"

I am sure that Straun Lodge gave your mother the best care that she needed, I have no doubt of that.

My argument is simply, why is there a bed blockage at the local hospital when there are other homes in the area. These other homes also charge less than Straun Lodge, which would save the council a lot of money.

Quote

-6 #2 rosemary clark 2013-02-27 12:40

in answer to freds comment how does he know there are better and cheaper places does he have family in one of the other places my mom was in straun lodge and i assure you she got the best care with the best people so dont judge unless you are in that situation.

Quote

+8 #1 FRED 2013-02-26 12:14

There shouldn't be any bed blocking at the local hospital as there are other care homes in the Dunoon area, with empty rooms, which are just as good, with similar ratings and charge less.

Please refer to The Care Commission website for more information on homes in the Dunoon area. www.scswis.com

Quote

Refresh comments list
RSS feed for comments to this post