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Mrs A Baxter
Director Social care
Stockton Borough Council
Church Road
Stockton on Tees.
Dear Anne,
Parkview Residence, Thornaby
I would appreciate knowing the policy of the council with Regards to Parkview Residence
I am sure it is known that this residence is in my constituency. To date I have heard,
but not officially, that the council is in the process of organising, or possibly, now
analysing the response of, a consultation that references the future of this reference. I
would firstly appreciate knowing just what is happening and the time to decision that
has been established.
The facts concerning this residence are clear to my mind. It is:
a a secure and essential home for vulnerable elderly people,
b many of, if not all residents, would find it difficult if not impossible to live
independently.
c many, and again possibly all, if not the majority are local to Thornaby and
wish to remain in the town, where they have support from friends and family.
I would know exactly how many residents are local to Thornaby but the management,
I believe, is to scared to allow me to visit, believing that my visit may jeopardise
their future employment. Let me say, if this is the case it is totally unacceptable if
not despicable position for these people and myself to be placed in. I represent the
best interest of all people in my constituency, sadly in this case the facts seem to be
either ignored or denied.
I would ask for a briefing on the future of Parkview residence as a courtesy. With
this I would at least be aware of the Council's thinking even if I did not support it.
However, as a consultation (with whom I do not know-over what time scale I do not
know) is underway, there seems to be little point in making this request.
In fact when the press asked for my opinion I said I would accept the conclusion of
the consultation(with as I hope, residents of Parkview, their families and the staff).
The fact that , it appears this consultation has taken place in secret, I have no intention
of accepting its conclusion, believing that it could simply reflect a council led, self
fulfilling prophecy. I understand James Wharton has made it know at a public
meeting that he has been in contact with senior councillors at SBC regarding the care
home. He told residents that "it would appear it is the council's intention to close the
care home. The logic appears to be that they are getting out of the whole area of care
home supply". I would appreciate hearing whether this is the case.
My position is that Parkview should remain open and I will fight to achieve that end.
The basis of my support is: people are living longer and more and more become less
ambulant and more reliant on nursing support. Thornaby and Stockton South is not
not different from this national picture and, as such, Parkview residence should
remain open with only one working intention from the council to maintain this home
for the elderly to the highest possible standard.
Yours sincerely
Dari Taylor, MP
Stockton South
Copy: Councillor Ian Dalgarno.
Councillor Mick Eddy
Mr Peter Brennan, VPRA.
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