‘People treated like pieces of furniture’

FAMILIES last night spoke of fears that moving to private sector care will have a devastating impact on their loved ones.

Gay Wagstaff, aged 49, of Birches Head, fears her 73-year-old mother will not survive a move.

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She said: “She suffers with dementia and it would be her demise. I think she would end up dying and that is no exaggeration.

“She loves the people and she loves the staff.”

Finance worker Doreen Norton, is fighting to keep her 86-year-old mother at Marrow House.

She said: “Olwen Hamer said this is not about money, if that is the case why are they doing this? Are they just trying to cause mayhem?”

Bill Goodwin, aged 68, of Meir Park, whose wife is treated for several Alzheimer’s at Marrow House, said: “They are making £24 million cuts but have some of the highest paid managers in the Midlands. It’s unsustainable and immoral.”

Councillor Dave Conway, leader of the City Independents, above, told the meeting: “It’s a fight we can’t afford to lose. these are people who have worked for their whole lives who are now being treated like pieces of furniture. Where is our duty of care?”