Kent County Council have announced a consultation on whether to to close Osborne Court in Faversham.
I am concerned about the proposed closure, and I’m worried about the prospect of another care service being moved away from Faversham.
I appreciate the rationale behind KCC’s decision. The Consultation document makes it clear that there is to be no reduction in the number of people offered short breaks - the difference is where those breaks take place.
However, this announcement, coming so soon after the loss of Kiln Court, will be seen by many as a blow to Faversham. People are worried about services in Faversham being chipped away.
What we need is a positive strategy for the future of health and social care services in and around Faversham. We’ve got Faversham Cottage Hospital, we’ve got the Minor Injuries Unit, we’ve got the new X-ray facility, and we’ve got really good GPs in the town – it’s a good starting point. I want to see the NHS and Kent County Council working together on plans for the future, and I would particularly like to see a strategy which includes investment in up to date care facilities in the town. With a growing population, and with people living longer, it’s time for some planning ahead.
I will be engaging with the consultation process and I have contacted KCC, the local NHS clinical commissioning group and the Chair of Faversham Health Matters to discuss my response. I’m also keen to hear from anyone with personal experience of Osborne Court, and of course, from anyone who is worried about how they will be affected.
You can read more about the consultation here: http://consultations.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/shortbreaksservices/consultationHome