Poltair decision statement

The MP for the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives, Andrew George, today commented on the Poltair Consultation Report and Recommendations which were presented to the NHS Kernow Governing Body at its meeting today, 13th May 2014.

Mr George said:

“This is a backward step.  I fear this decision could place our most vulnerable and frail in an ‘out of sight out of mind’ environment.

“I acknowledge that Poltair’s days were numbered.  It’s difficult to justify keeping that facility as it is.

“But we should be ambitious to improve and expand in-patient beds and services.  Our population is increasing.  The needs of the elderly are accelerating, not decreasing.  Shutting core and valued services in the hope private care homes will pick up the pieces is a plan based on hope and uncertainty.

“If the building is too expensive then let’s get a new and better building.  You can judge the strength of a community by the way it treats the weakest and most needy.  I hope that our local health commissioners will think again about what they will replace Poltair with.”