Elizabeth Runnacles

Mar 20, 08 - 11:27 AM

Closure of Charles Ward at St Marks

Terry Pratchett has recently highlighted the serious lack of funding for dementia research and we, locally, need to wake up to the very real possibility of the Charles Ward in St Marks Hospital being shut and the elderly mentally infirm moved to a new all-ages psychiatric unit in Upton, Slough.

This closure would be a tragedy both for the elderly patients who are very frail and vulnerable, and pose immense problems for their relations and friends given the distance and transport problems. Berkshire Healthcare Trust, in charge of mental health provision, is keen to promote this change, despite the Kings Fund having refurbished the Charles Ward last year; One of their arguments is the need for single en-suite rooms to enhance the patients' dignity and self-respect; having seen my Mother go through the horrific dementia illness, I would argue that the most important factor in their care is the dedication and love of humanity of the staff plus the contact with family and friends which we were lucky to experience in the Charles Ward.

We only have until 14 APRIL to voice concern, in writing to
FREEPOST RRRU--RRGH--JUXJ, NHS East Berkshire, London, EC1R 4SR or complete the questionnaire online at

www.rightcarerightplace.nhs.uk

With an ageing population, we must act to save this centre of excellence at Charles Ward, for our present and future local needs.

Judy

Mar 23rd, 2008 - 12:04 PM

Re: Closure of Charles Ward at St Marks

Please everyone, write this important letter NOW while you are having a relaxing Easter! There is no time to lose and it doesn't have to be long. Just just a few lines will do, simply asking for the wonderful Charles Ward not to be closed.

Don't ignore Elizabeth's plea as this very local and very friendly facility is vitally important to people in the Cookham area. It could be our relative - or even us - who need it next!

Daniel

Mar 25th, 2008 - 11:17 AM

Re: Closure of Charles Ward at St Marks

Dementia is increasing problem for the elderly and even the not-so-elderly, nowadays.

Don't forget - everyone in the area - to write this important letter this week. Just a few lines of objection to closure and support for the good work of Charles Ward will do.

Remember that it could be you or your relative who need it next and St Marks at Maidenhead would be so much closer than Upton, Slough for visiting. (Probably much friendlier, too!).

Author	Comment
Elizabeth Runnacles Mar 20, 08 - 11:27 AM	Closure of Charles Ward at St Marks Terry Pratchett has recently highlighted the serious lack of funding for dementia research and we, locally, need to wake up to the very real possibility of the Charles Ward in St Marks Hospital being shut and the elderly mentally infirm moved to a new all-ages psychiatric unit in Upton, Slough. This closure would be a tragedy both for the elderly patients who are very frail and vulnerable, and pose immense problems for their relations and friends given the distance and transport problems. Berkshire Healthcare Trust, in charge of mental health provision, is keen to promote this change, despite the Kings Fund having refurbished the Charles Ward last year; One of their arguments is the need for single en-suite rooms to enhance the patients' dignity and self-respect; having seen my Mother go through the horrific dementia illness, I would argue that the most important factor in their care is the dedication and love of humanity of the staff plus the contact with family and friends which we were lucky to experience in the Charles Ward. We only have until 14 APRIL to voice concern, in writing to FREEPOST RRRU--RRGH--JUXJ, NHS East Berkshire, London, EC1R 4SR or complete the questionnaire online at www.rightcarerightplace.nhs.uk With an ageing population, we must act to save this centre of excellence at Charles Ward, for our present and future local needs.
Judy Mar 23rd, 2008 - 12:04 PM	Re: Closure of Charles Ward at St Marks Please everyone, write this important letter NOW while you are having a relaxing Easter! There is no time to lose and it doesn't have to be long. Just just a few lines will do, simply asking for the wonderful Charles Ward not to be closed. Don't ignore Elizabeth's plea as this very local and very friendly facility is vitally important to people in the Cookham area. It could be our relative - or even us - who need it next!
Daniel Mar 25th, 2008 - 11:17 AM	Re: Closure of Charles Ward at St Marks Dementia is increasing problem for the elderly and even the not-so-elderly, nowadays. Don't forget - everyone in the area - to write this important letter this week. Just a few lines of objection to closure and support for the good work of Charles Ward will do. Remember that it could be you or your relative who need it next and St Marks at Maidenhead would be so much closer than Upton, Slough for visiting. (Probably much friendlier, too!).