Correspondence to and from Thornaby Town Council.

Dear Councillors, 

To ALL Thornaby Councillors

 Dear friends of our community

 I am writing to ask if it would be possible to enlighten our group as regards the Parkview Nursing Home and the claim that it is to be closed down. We are concerned because of the close link between our group and the residents there, but also as it is seen as an important part of our community.

Therefore, I write to ask if anyone can confirm or deny the fact that the home is under any form of threat as there is already an action of blocking beds, so that no new residents can share the excellent care and community spirit which exists in the home. I was previously told by one of our councillors that the home is to become a place where elderly residents who have had operations or intense medical treatment are able to recuperate prior to returning home. This would be ideal, but for the fact that beds in the home are being closed.

 Please, can any of our councillors help to reassure residents and carers as regards the future of the Parkview Home.

 I eagerly await your responses.

 Peter Brennan

Secretary

VPRA
 

From: Walmsley, Stephen <Stephen.Walmsley@stockton.gov.uk>
Date: 26 Oct 2007 01:17
Subject: RE: Park View Home
 

Heard this one before. A few years ago there was a threat when our beloved council were shutting homes willy-nilly. Bob (Gibson) wouldn't even accept a 15,000 signature petition to reprieve one at Billingham and the Chief Exec suggested that all the deeply distressed people attending Cabinet were crying on account of looming unemployment. What made the event unique was that 2 Cabinet members (both Labour) voted against closure and incurred the wrath of the party. I was one and, surprisingly, Barry Woodhouse was the other. That was the beginning of the end for me with Bob and co and an organisation that passed itself off as the Labour Party.

However, that act of mutiny had the desired effect and basically warned off Mr Gibson and his acolytes from coming anywhere near Thornaby homes. We visited Parkview to reassure them when similar rumours were circulating as what Peter is now referring to. The fact is that Parkview underwent alterations to bring it up to the new living accommodation dimensions which the government insisted every home should adopt. As for suspension of new admission, it was basically down to change of use in respect of beds being held for palliative care, respite, and where hard pressed carers could find temporary accommodation whilst they re-charged batteries.

There has not been a whisper about this in council and so I'm somewhat dubious about the authenticity of the reports and would estimate the rumours circulating as fairly typical - though unfounded. Should there be even a smattering of truth however (at any time) you can guarantee that those elected to serve the Thornaby community (TIA) will make such a noise that bridges will collapse.

Steve