Fears rise over the closure of Llandudno care unit

Jan 8 2009 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

PEOPLE with dementia and their carers are to meet health chiefs to discuss their fears about the closure of the Bodnant EMI (elderly mental infirm) unit in Llandudno.

They believe they haven’t been sufficiently consulted about a proposal to transfer some of the in-patient beds to the Bryn Hesketh unit in Colwyn Bay, and to Llandudno Hospital and to buy up others in the private sector.

“We believe these plans are flawed in several ways. They are talking about buying in two beds in the private sector, which is nowhere near enough to help meet the shortfall there will be if Bodnant closes.

“Beds in the private sector are difficult to find as it is and there are no guarantees they will be suitable beds for the people who need them,” said Ian Turner, chairman of the local branch of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Mr Turner says carers and people with dementia are being put under unwarranted stress by the uncertainty about the type of care which will be available when Bodnant closes.

“To hear Bodnant is closing, while at the same time there is nothing concrete in place to replace it is not good. At the moment the plans seems to be more like pie in the sky than anything else and the degree of liaising with carers and patients so far has been woefully inadequate,” he claimed.

As a result, the local Dementia Forum has invited Wyn Thomas, chief executive of Conwy Local Health Board, to speak at its next meeting at Colwyn Bay Cricket Club on January 23 at 10.30am.

“He will be accompanied by Robin Holden, divisional general manager of the NHS, and Hilary Owen service manager, Older People’s Mental Health, so we will have the front line there. I’m hoping dementia sufferers and carers will turn out in force to listen to what they have to say and to ask questions,” added Mr Turner.

Meanwhile Conwy LHB has organised an EMI services information drop in day at Venue Cymru in Llandudno from 2pm to 7pm on January 14.