Access to care homes panel

May 13 2009

Sir, – Following the decision to reverse the closure of two Stirling Care Homes, Stirling Council set up a Scrutiny Panel to look into the provision of care for older people.

So far, the panel has met several times in closed session, with public access denied even to any reports of these meetings.

But it has always been the plan to hold Open Sessions, so that the Panel can report on their findings.

The first will be held in the Council Chambers in Old Viewforth on Thursday, May 21, from 1pm to 3pm. Other Open Sessions are planned for Thursday, June 4, 3.30pm to 5.30pm, and Thursday, June 18, 2pm to 4pm.

I know many people were interested in the original business of the proposal to close care homes, and many lent support to the successful campaign to prevent closure.

I hope as many interested folk as possible can turn up at these Open Sessions to hear first-hand what the Panel has found out and what recommendations it intends to put to the full Council on June 24.

We've seen people power in action. Now it's the people's turn to see what action our councillors propose to take to look after Stirling's old folks. Yours etc,

HAMISH WHITEFORDGargunnock