Health bosses move to reassure All Hallows Healthcare Trust users ahead of potential closure
All Hallows Healthcare Hospital, Ditchingham. PICTURE: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
Health bosses facing the “unenviable task” of providing care as All Hallows Healthcare Trust prepares to close their services have moved to reassure users.
Sue Cook, New Director of Children and Young People's Services for Suffolk County Council - Credit: Archant
The trust, which supports 250 people each day through their hospital, nursing home, day care and home care services, is set to close after financial difficulties, pending a 45 day consultation period.
Health and care commissioners, including Suffolk County Council (SCC), Norfolk County Council, Great Yarmouth and Waveney CCG and the South Norfolk CCG, have since been working towards securing continuous care throughout the transfer period.
Speaking on behalf of health and care commissioners, Sue Cook, executive director of people’s services at Suffolk County Council, said: “We recognise it is a worrying time for the people and families affected by this transfer of care from All Hallows to a new provider.
“We would like to reassure those affected by this news that we are currently exploring a range of options to ensure that care and support continues without disruption.
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“Staff from the health and care commissioners have been at All Hallows’ sites to answer any queries or concerns that may arise.
“Commissioners are also phoning those affected to introduce themselves and explain what will happen now, which has been followed up with a letter.
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“We will continue to keep people updated.
“The impact on staff at All Hallows will also be a key factor as we consider all options for service continuity.”
The reassurance comes after chairman of the trust John Chapman claimed it was “frankly unkind” to believe services would continue at their present sites.
Mr Chapman, who added commissioners had an “unenviable task”, said: “To reassure the public that in reality the entirety of All Hallows’ care services are safe and will continue under different providers does not presently reflect the true situation.
“We have certainly had expressions of interest in some parts of our work, but no actual offers to take over.”
A petition has been launched to save the services, with more than 3,200 people backing it in less than 24 hours.
To sign the petition, which also has the support of this newspaper, go to: www.change.org/p/andy-evans-save-all-hallows-hospital-healthcare-services-from-closure
