League given assurance on Irvine Unit beds

The league's officers had been so concerned at their December meeting to learn at second-hand of changes taking place at the unit that they sought a meeting with Alice Webster, head of adult services for Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust.

But what she told them at last Friday's on-site meeting of the future potential of the unit so impressed them that they offered an immediate invitation for her to address the charity's supporters.

She explained why staffing difficulties had led the temporary closure of 12 beds and the accommodation of patients in private care.

She gave a reassurance that Irvine Unit beds would be occupied once more as soon as the difficulties were overcome.

In the meantime, opportunity was being taken to undertake a deep-clean.

She explained how opportunity had been taken following the ending of the county council's presence at Thornwood to group staff involved in the care of the elderly together under the Irvine Unit roof.

But she reassured the league's officers that creation of new offices for them would not diminish the work of the unit's day hospital.

The league's concern about the future of the unit had been heightened by the fact that rumour about the unit had followed so closely in the charity's investment of more than 1.1m of donated funds in the unit's extension and refurbishment.

Last Friday's meeting agreed that there should be a closer working relationship between the PCT and the charity.

League chairman Stuart Earl stressed that the organisation's key objectives were the welfare of the patient and the prudent use of the league's resources.

The head of adult services told the officers she believes the Irvine Unit has "tremendous potential."

She is currently working on a number of projects to develop the services it offers. The league's representatives said the charity would like to hear from her about these and to consider what financial help they could give.