IN NOVEMBER I received a letter from the social services department inviting me to a meeting, to offer my opinion as a parent/carer into the plans to offload respite care for young adults with a learning disability into the private sector.

The meeting would take place on an industrial estate and I would be granted a 20 minute slot. As one who does not frequent industrial estates I had to ring to find out where it was.

Luckily, I have a car. There was no bus route. I then had to find the building only to discover there were no parking spaces.

So my first question must be. Why choose a place with no bus service between the hours of 4pm and 8pm when we are in our caring role? Do you have no buildings left at the council?

On arrival, I was invited for a chat with two senior council officers. I was told there were two options.

Option One was to pass Duke Street Respite Care Centre over to the private sector or apply for Direct Payments and buy respite care from a private individual who would come to my home and provide care.

I pointed out that my daughter enjoyed her stay at Duke Street as it gave her the opportunity to spend time with her friends, and I also did not wish to share my home with someone else. I already purchase respite care from the council at a cost of £105 a week with additional costs for lunches and transport. It is not free.

Option Two, for Complex Needs (people who require a high level of care). Duke Street would be for complex needs only.

I then asked if parents and carers had been consulted before these meetings, and was told that there was a carer’s representative who had been present.

I asked who it was and was told it was the council officer interviewing me. I responded that she did not represent me and as a paid officer of the council should not hold that position.

On December 15, I read an article in The Sentinel which made reference to respite care, there was also a comment from Councillor Kath Banks, who was quoted as saying: “The perception is these things will close and there will be no other.”

She also said she supported the proposals. One week before I had voiced my concerns to Councillor Banks. I obviously wasted my breath.

At present we have three stories.

1) In a letter I have, it says that there will be a purpose-built building for Complex Needs Respite.

2) Another parent was told that Portland House at Burslem had been earmarked for a 20-bed Complex Need Unit.

3) In The Sentinel it stated that Complex Needs would be going to Duke Street.

Does Councillor Banks know which one it is or is it possible that the Social Services have not told her because they do not know? So what, Councillor Banks, have you agreed to? And where is Councillor Hamer, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care?

At a time when councillors are arguing about paying for a cup of tea, I find their support for attacking the vulnerable despicable, or is it, as Mick Temple says in his column, that councillors are told how to vote and not allowed an opinion? So why are they there, and if true, how do you live with yourselves and how do you represent the people who have elected you?

My final message as a parent and carer to all councillors who support these proposals – you should hang your heads in shame. We pay for respite care services. It is not free, like your cups of tea.

BARBARA ZABLOCKI

Meir Hay

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Complex-situation