Another move 'could kill mum' (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Another move 'could kill mum'

ALZHEIMER and vascular dementia sufferer Diana Pearce will find herself evicted from the Baunton ward of Cirencester Hospital tomorrow (Friday).

And her daughter fears the move - Diana's fifth this year - could kill the 78-year-old.

The families of 15 patients have been looking for nursing homes for their loved ones because Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust is closing the ward because of staffing shortages.

Jenny Clayton, Diana's daughter, said: "My mother has had a difficult time over the past few months.

"She was living at her own home in Shaftesbury, but her carer said she couldn't cope anymore.

"We live in Caudle Green and moved her nearer to us at Hunters Care Home in Cirencester.

"But she was only there for a fortnight because she kept damaging doors and trying to escape.

"My mum did those things because she thought she was in prison. "She didn't like being closed in because she was put in Holloway Prison when she was 18 for being a conscientious objector during the war.

"Her mind has gone back to that age.

"Hunters Care Home couldn't cope and so she was sectioned under the Mental Health Act."

But Diana's traumatic experiences didn't end there.

Ms Clayton said her mum was transferred to the Charlton Lane psychiatric unit, in Leckhampton, and turned into a "zombie".

She said: "They drugged her up to the eyeball. She couldn't talk or move a muscle and she became incontinent.

"Before she went there she was able to appreciate poetry and music still, and she was stable on her feet.

"But she got into an awful state and was only there for a week."

The pensioner broke her hip and had to go to Cheltenham General Hospital for an operation.

She was moved again to the Baunton ward at Cirencester Hospital three months ago, where she received "marvellous" care, said Ms Clayton.

She added: "The problem now is finding my mum a home which can actually cope with her.

"I'm angry because people have been trying to push us into homes that are totally inappropriate.

"It's hard because with her illnesses you have to re-learn everything like walking and going to the loo.

"Sometimes she can be quite stroppy and sometimes she is really sweet and nice.

"She needs a vast amount of care. People think when pensioners reach that age they are ready for the scrap heap, but there is still an awful lot about these people and others are trying to treat them as worthless."

The Baunton ward cared for older patients with mental illness, but the Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust said there had been a problem nationally with trying to recruit staff in that particular field.

Jeff James, chief executive of the Gloucestershire Partnership Trust, said the trust was "reluctant" to close the Baunton ward but correct staffing levels could not be maintained there.

He said: "It's important to remember that the Baunton ward is not a long stay ward.

"People who come into wards like the Baunton ward normally come in for assessment or treatment.

"And when people are ready they move to the nearest nursing home or elsewhere.

"Clearly, in thinking about moving the patients, we don't want to jeopardise their physical health or mental well-being so individual assessment is carried out as to where they should go."

They trust is hoping to re-open the ward on March 31 next year.

Ms Clayton was told this week that her mum has the option of being moved temporarily to Weavers Croft in Stroud.

BLOB The death of an elderly man who passed away last week after being moved from the Baunton Ward is being investigated.

Jeremiah King, 74, who suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, died from heart failure five days after he was moved in good health to a Northleach care home.

Deborah Richards, spokesman for Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust: "We are looking into the death of Mr King.

"But the important thing is that Mr King's move was part of a planned move from the hospital to a care home. It wasn't related to the closure of the ward.

"The ward is not a long stay facility. People come in for assessment or treatment.

"Mr King was being moved to Northleach having assessed his needs."

Mr King lived in Chipping Campden and was admitted to the ward at Cirencester Hospital six months ago.

He leaves behind his partner of four years, Joy Morby, of Bourton-on-the-Water, who was too upset to comment on his death.

A funeral service is being held today (Thursday) for Mr King at St Lawrence Church, Mickleton.

BLOB Do you know somebody who has been moved from the Baunton ward at Cirencester Hospital? If so, what were their experiences?

Please call the Standard newsroom on 01285 642642 and let us know.