MCC deny having a 'hidden agenda'

9:10am Wednesday 27th August 2008

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FEARS that Monnow Vale health complex could be evolving into a geriatric unit have been denied by the local authority.

Alarm bells started ringing when a consultation document into the proposed transfer of the special needs day services unit located at the health complex to Abergavenny, was dissected by local people.

The document suggests that under proposals for the future of Monnow Vale, it become "the hub for the new service model for the over 65s".

Among those making observations was Pat Skidmore whose daughter is affected by the unit’s transfer to Abergavenny. She said: "It's not made clear if this section of the document refers to social services itself or is a hidden agenda for the future of Monnow Vale as a whole."

Monmouth's mayor Cllr Terry Christopher also saw the wording and added: "The management at Monnow Vale are not very forthcoming in communicating what plans they have for the future for the health complex.

"They don't seem to realise the strength of feeling there is in Monmouth for this health complex as can be shown by the methods that were used to try and steamroller the relocation of the da services unit."

Simon Burch, Monmouthshire County Council’s head of integrated services said: "There are definitely no plans to remove or stop the services being offered for younger people at Monnow Vale.

"It’s not a hidden agenda, and Monnow Vale will remain as a health and social care facility for local people of all ages. "While the consultation into the day services continues its course, we are looking at trying to improve other facilities, like physiotherapy, which are available to anybody, regardless of their age, at the centre."