I READ Councillor Perry’s piece on the closure of Nightingale Lodge, Romsey, with disbelief.

It is quite obvious that this is simply a money-saving exercise on the part of Hampshire County Council (HCC), and his glib article does not fool anybody.

Comparing cars of the 1960s and now insults our intelligence.

He does not deal with the vital issue of what will happen to those unfortunate people with severe dementia who will be unable to function in an “extra care” facility of the type envisaged.

Such people, while not meeting the current criteria for care in a nursing home, are nonetheless unable to live without 24-hour supervision and monitoring.

Many will be unable to use buzzer or alarm systems properly, or even at all.

Many are unable to communicate their needs.

They need to be cared for in a residential setting.

It is incorrect to say that these homes cannot be modernised.

Yes, that will mean that some residents may have to move temporarily, some may never return, but it will mean that residential care facilities will be safeguarded for the future.

He also fails to mention that considerable council funds were spent on Nightingale Lodge last year by way of new furniture, curtains and carpets, and that the whole place was completely repainted in February of this year. Perhaps he can tell us how much that all cost?

I would be grateful if he also would answer the following questions:

  • When did it become Hampshire County Council’s policy that solely “extra care” facilities will be used?
  • What expert advice did Hampshire County Council seek or receive before deciding this policy?
  • How much money will Hampshire County Council save from this?
  • Does HCC have £400 million in reserves, and if so how is that money going to be used ?
  • Has the NHS been consulted about the HCC “extra care” policy?
  • How much will Nightingale Lodge be sold for?

Patricia Kelly, Romsey