Momentum is building in the fight against plans to close to save eight Derbyshire care homes from closure, says UNISON.
The union says strong turnouts at a protest outside County Hall in Matlock earlier this month and a rally organised for this Saturday (28 February) at Eckington’s Civic Centre, shows public anger at the closures is growing.
Reform UK-controlled Derbyshire County Council want to close eight of its care homes, despite strong public opposition and warnings from unions, families and campaigners about the impact on vulnerable residents and staff, says UNISON.
In response to the surge of public support, UNISON is urging families, residents and supporters to attend a public meeting at Eckington Civic Centre on Saturday 28 February at 1pm, where the next steps in the campaign will be discussed.
The union says the risks are already becoming clear. A frail elderly resident of The Grange care home in Eckington was recently moved to a new placement without essential equipment needed for his safe movement and care having been delivered.
UNISON says it has also seen evidence of furniture and equipment being removed from homes while residents are still living there.
UNISON East Midlands regional organiser Dave Ratchford said: “Vulnerable elderly people are being used as political pawns and that’s simply not acceptable.
“We know of at least one care home provider that wants to buy The Grange in Eckington but have had their offer turned down because they can’t afford to buy all eight homes.”
UNISON Derbyshire branch secretary Martin Porter said: “All Derbyshire’s care homes matter, but The Grange is truly special. For staff it’s a vocation, for residents it’s home, and for Eckington it’s a vital public service.
“Closing it, evicting vulnerable residents and losing dedicated staff, is not in anyone’s best interests. We know the people of Eckington agree.”
Notes to editors
– The homes affected are Briar Close (Borrowash), Castle Court (Swadlincote), The Grange (Eckington), Lacemaker Court (Long Eaton), The Leys (Ashbourne), New Bassett House (Shirebrook), Rowthorne (Swanwick) and Thomas Colledge House (Bolsover).
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
