The daughter of a Fife Council care home resident has hit out at moves to privatise the service, branding the SNP/Lib Dem administration uncaring.
Moira Hunter, whose mother lives in South Parks home in Glenrothes, said she was disgusted that 10 facilities across Fife faced closure. And she criticised Tuesday’s decision not to go ahead with a debate on the issue, saying those opposed to privatisation should have been allowed to speak.
Mrs Hunter, who was one of many family members in the public gallery at Fife House hoping to hear a heated discussion, said the administration had failed to listen to the opinions of residents and their families by disregarding the outcome of a consultation.
“They didn’t let anybody talk. The SNP and the Lib Dems obviously don’t care about the elderly,” she said.
“South Parks home has saved my mum’s life. It’s a wonderful home. It’s given her interests back and her life back and she’s happy there. She feels like she’s living with her family.
“The council is saying you will get the same care in the private sector but I went round everywhere before I picked South Parks for my mum. I didn’t just pick the first place out the book I chose it because it was an excellent facility and had everything we were looking for for my mum.
“We had the consultation and they disregarded the results of it and now they won’t let councillors debate it.”
Council leader Peter Grant has moved to reassure residents and families that when the time comes they will be moved into a brand new home of their choice with as little distress and disruption as possible. Urging people not to panic, he said the decision by the social work committee on February 1 was the best one for Fife’s elderly.
The Trades Union Council has organised a public meeting to discuss the issue in the CISWO club, North Street, Glenrothes, at 6.30 tonight.