Primary Care Trust considers taking over Rebecca House

1.09.24pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 24th Mar 2005

Norman Lamb has been told that North Norfolk Primary Care Trust may take over Rebecca House from the Mental Health Trust. This could mean some residents being able to stay there.

Martin Langdon, Mental Health 'Lead' at the PCT has also acknowledged Norman Lamb's concerns about the importance of respite care provision, stating that the points raised by Norman Lamb were "particularly well made".

Norman Lamb commented, "I am pleased with this response. The Primary Care Trust has demonstrated it is prepared to listen to local people's views about Rebecca House."

Mr Lamb added, "It is vital that good respite care is available locally for people in need, and I will make sure that the Board is aware of how local people feel before it considers the different options."

Norman Lamb has highlighted the fact that if Rebecca House closes then, in future, patients who cannot be cared for at home will end up in private residential care and nursing homes - and will be subject to means testing.

"It is unacceptable that people who have worked hard all their lives get penalised by having to pay large sums of money for care. The Lib Dems demand free personal care for pensioners," Norman Lamb said.