FRAIL elderly residents could end up dying as a result of plans to turf them out of their home.
Those are the desperate fears of relatives, after it was confirmed that health chiefs are recommending moving residents out of the elderly mental health unit at Acomb Gables, in Oak Rise, Acomb, York.
A meeting of the Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) board tomorrow will also be urged to shut the Stray Garth home in Heworth.
David Alexander, whose 83-year-old war hero father, Norman, suffers from dementia, protested outside Acomb Gables with other campaigners during a visit by managers from the debt-ridden PCT last month.
They carried banners which read "Hands Off Acomb Gables" and "Find Your Money Somewhere Else", and handed in a 700-name petition.
Now 49-year-old Mr Alexander is prepared to make a last ditch attempt to make health bosses "listen to reason" at their meeting tomorrow and let his father stay put.
"To me it seems like the PCT have dug themselves a big hole, and they are just using these vulnerable and elderly people who have got problems and illness to step out of it, and that's just disgusting," said Mr Alexander. "My dad has been moved three or four times in recent years, and each time he gets worse.
"This time I really think the move could finish him off - they should realise they are playing with people's lives."
The Evening Press has previously reported that PCT bosses want to close the unit early next year.
The changes would save cash for the PCT, but managers say that is not the motivating factor.
"I'm determined that I will keep going with this campaign," said Mr Alexander. "The meeting on Tuesday is a public meeting and anyone can attend, so we want as many protesters as possible to turn out."
PCT managers plan to close the unit and channel funds into an expanded home care service for mentally-ill elderly people living in the community.
Residents at Acomb Gables, which has up to 15 beds, would be moved to other facilities, and the centre used for other NHS purposes.
Mr Alexander said two other homes have already been suggested to him, but he feels his father would not receive the same level of care and attention at either place that he does at Acomb Gables.
The trust's Stray Garth facility, in Stockton Lane, currently houses about 15 residents.
"There is nothing to stop them changing their minds," said Mr Alexander. "I just don't think they have considered all the ways of making potential savings."
The board meeting is being held at 9.30am tomorrow at the PCT in Sovereign House, Kettlestring Lane.
Updated: 10:21 Monday, January 16, 2006
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