Redclyffe
House in the Avenue, Alverstoke, Gosport is home to a number
of elderly who need residential care. Many local people have
relatives and close friends in Redclyffe House whom they
visit on a regular basis. I am impressed by the amount of
support they willingly provide.
The Fareham and Gosport Primary Care Trust is responsible
for Redclyffe House. The Trust has said that it is concerned
about conditions at Redclyffe House; in particular it is
concerned that the building makes it difficult to comply
with modern standards of access and care.
I have met with a number of constituents to discuss this.
Many others have written to me. I have been in contact with
the Chairman of the Primary Care Trust to emphasise the concern
that any plans to change the arrangements at Redclyffe House
should not require residents to move away from the immediate
Gosport area. The Primary Care Trust tells me that no decision
has been made and that it is consulting with all those concerned.
Meanwhile, the
Unison union is making its own contribution. It has printed
several hundred cards addressed to me of which
I have so far received about 300. May I reply to all those
who have sent me cards by saying that I know Redclyffe House
well; I understand the issues and the problem; and that I
will keep in close touch with the PCT which has to decide
how to continue Redclyffe House's rôle and to find
a satisfactory way ahead.
I understand that Redclyffe House is difficult to maintain.
However, my own view is that Gosport people must be nursed
and cared for here because the support of their family and
friends is what they most value. |
