Scot Lib Dems write to health secretary over care home closures

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and candidate for Edinburgh Northern councillor Sanne Dijkstra-Downie have written to the Scottish Government asking for them to assist in finding alternative operators to take over two Edinburgh care homes run by the Salvation Army which are threatened with closure.

On Monday 30th June, the charity announced a ‘formal consultation’ would begin regarding ‘the possible closure’ of its care homes, two of which are based in Edinburgh (Davidson House in Colinton and Eagle Lodge on Ferry Road in Ms Dijkstra-Downie’s future Edinburgh Northern constituency).

Family members of residents have warned the Edinburgh Evening News of the impact these closures would have on those who stay in the homes, with one saying “There's one resident who's 106, she’ll be 107 by the time that she's evicted and her daughters were virtually on their knees begging them not to do this because it will kill her. Other people were saying the same, that their loved ones will not survive a move.”

Mr Cole-Hamilton and Ms Dijkstra-Downie’s letter is as follows:

“Dear Cabinet Secretary,

“We are deeply worried by newspaper reports of the closure of the Davidson House and Eagle Lodge care homes in Edinburgh, currently operated by the Salvation Army.

“The Salvation Army have noted that they intend to transition from providing residential care for older people to grow their community-based support model. As a result residents face eviction in a matter of months.

“Family members of residents have warned that to take those who live in these homes away from familiar staff and facilities would be “absolutely criminal” and that they are concerned that their loved ones “will not survive a move.”

“In Scotland, almost 2,000 people are stuck in hospital every month due to their discharge being delayed. Gaps in care at home or in the community are a key reason for such delays. This will only worsen if care homes are allowed to close.

“While responsibility for social care is primarily an issue for local care boards and local authorities, we would urge you to use the Scottish Government’s connections and influence to assist the Salvation Army in transitioning the operation of their Edinburgh care homes to an alternative provider so that residents are not removed from the care that they have become familiar and accustomed to.

“Your sincerely, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Sanne Dijkstra-Downie.”