Reacting to the news that Plas Isaf care home in Rhos on Sea is to close, Janet Finch-Saunders AM said:
“This devastating news will be a real hammer-blow to families who will now be experiencing much anxiety and uncertainty over the future care of their loved ones.
“Having raised concerns to the former Minister for Health and Social Services previously on the provision of EMI beds within Conwy County, I was shocked that he admitted that the “demand for EMI nursing care exceeds supply” and further investigation by myself found insufficient numbers of available EMI nursing and residential beds for the demand that I know our county is facing.
“I am very much concerned for the impact on the elderly and most vulnerable in our society, and I am calling on Conwy County Borough Council to advise as to how they intend to minimise the impact of any risk. The move itself will be a traumatic experience for the residents, but if provision isn’t available locally, that will cause an even greater concern for me as an Assembly Member, as it may see my constituents having to receive the care and support they desperately require provided by out-of-county placements.
“I strongly urge the leader of Conwy County Borough Council, Councillor Dilwyn Roberts, to make a statement accordingly.”
Janet Finch-Saunders AM has written to the Leader of the Council, a copy of which can be found below.
According to the latest available figures (August 2016 – available on StatsWales) across Wales, there are already 169 patients experiencing delayed transfer of care (in hospital, waiting to go into care) due to a lack of availability or selection of care home. Of these 74 are within North Wales, with 8 and 15 in Conwy and Denbighshire respectively.
In response to the AM's urgent Written Assembly Question, the Minister for Social Services and Public Health said:
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister make a statement on the closure of the Plas Isaf nursing home in Colwyn Bay? (WAQ71094)
Rebecca Evans
Plas Isaf is closing and alternative arrangements are being made for residents. In the meantime, the local authority and local health board as commissioners of this service are monitoring the care provided to remaining residents on a daily basis and will continue to do so until everyone has moved.
