Campaign underway to save MS Society respite centres

Petition calls for reversal of decision to close four care homes

Campaigners have started a petition calling on the MS Society to reverse its decision to stop providing respite care, which has put 380 staff at risk of redundancy.

The society’s board decided earlier this month to stop funding its four respite care centres, which provide short-term care for people with multiple sclerosis. They will all close by the end of 2011 unless they are taken over by alternative providers.

Campaigners who want the centres to stay open have set up a website that asks people to sign a petition calling on the charity to reverse its decision.

A total of about 1,300 people have joined four groups on social networking website Facebook asking the charity to save the centres.

Naomi Rainbow, campaign coordinator, whose mother uses one of the threatened centres, said: "The MS Society says it will offer alternatives such as holiday-style accommodation, but without care.

"This would be highly unsuitable for all guests who have needs high enough to be accommodated at the centres. They will therefore be left with nowhere to go, which will put an immense strain on them and their families."

A spokeswoman for the MS Society said the charity would not be reversing its decision.

"Of course we have sympathy with people who are feeling upset, but whatever the outcome is, if we sell on to another care provider we will fully support people and make sure they get the care provision they need," she said.

Source: Third Sector © Third Sector 2010 (25/06/10)