UPDATE: Clinical commissioning group's statement following its U-turn over decision to withdraw funding for dementia day services at Melton's Gloucester House.

Carers are celebrating the news that the dementia day care service at Melton's Gloucester House, a lifeline for them and their loved ones, will continue to run after thousands of people backed a campaign to save it.
Holding some of the petitions is resource centre manager Rhonda Fazackerley with ward councillors Margaret Glancy, Pam Posnett , Simon Lumley and resident Mary Allen.Holding some of the petitions is resource centre manager Rhonda Fazackerley with ward councillors Margaret Glancy, Pam Posnett , Simon Lumley and resident Mary Allen.
Holding some of the petitions is resource centre manager Rhonda Fazackerley with ward councillors Margaret Glancy, Pam Posnett , Simon Lumley and resident Mary Allen.

As reported in today’s Melton Times the East Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Group (ELRCCG) has said the service will continue beyond July, with funding being provided via formal contract routes.

The news comes as massive relief for carers who had feared what would happen if the vital Gloucester House service had ended due to the ELRCCG’s previous intention to withdraw funding from the end of July.

Elaborating on its revised position, ELRCCG managing director Karen English said in a statement: “As a clinical commissioning group we have reviewed the process and decision making in respect of grant funding to Age UK for day services at Gloucester House in Melton.

“Our chairman, Dr Richard Palin, and I have also met with representatives from Age UK, visited Gloucester House and listened to the views of carers and those attending the centre.

“The value of the service offered at Gloucester House was never in doubt and we have appreciated the opportunity to see this first hand and talk to the people it supports.

“However the nature of the service that we awarded the grant for has evolved. Because of this we believe we have made the right decision regarding the appropriateness of the grant funding in this case and it will cease in July at the end of the six-month notice period.

“Over the coming months, however, we will be working with Age UK and our partners in social care and community mental health to look at how the current services can be enhanced in line with our plans to strengthen services for older people, carers and those with dementia as part of Better Care Together, our local health and social care

transformation programme.

“We will be looking at providing more appropriate funding via formal contract routes to support services beyond July.

“Essentially this means the service for dementia patients at Gloucester House will continue.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Age UK to support older people and those with dementia in East Leicestershire and Rutland.”

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