Peterborough care homes closure plans opposed

Plans to close two city council-run care homes for older people in Peterborough have been opposed by staff and residents.

The council has begun a consultation into the closure of Greenwood House and Welland House.

Resident Clara Woods, 93, said leaving Greenwood House would be "devastating".

The city council said it was part of a review of its care accommodation to ensure it was "high quality and met modern-day standards".

Wayne Fitzgerald, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "The review is taking place because these homes, whilst delivering an appropriate standard of care, have poor standards of accommodation including limited space and small bedrooms, many of which have no en-suite facilities."

Job losses

There are 32 permanent residents at the two homes. The homes also offer respite care beds, interim care beds for people leaving hospital who are not well enough to return home, and day care.

If the homes are closed 184 jobs could go.

Residents could be moved to independent sector, which the council believes will save £146,000 a month.

Donna Bennett works at both homes and is a member of the union Unite.

She said the council should build new homes if it believes the current ones to be substandard.

"The residents have got used to their surroundings, they know other clients there and they have built up a loving relationship with the staff," she said.

Mrs Woods has lived at Greenwood House for nine years.

She said: "This is my home. I don't want to move. I'm determined I'm not moving.

"Why are they doing this to us? I'm very happy here."

Mr Fitzgerald said a decision would be taken in the autumn, after consultation with residents, their families and staff.

"We will listen to their opinions and understand them before making any decision," he said.

"I can also guarantee that any decision will fully consider the older people who reside at the homes and those who receive respite or day care services."