Roborough Day Hospital to close

3.34.39pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 15th Mar 2007

Stephen Lloyd and David Tutt outside Roborough Day Hospital.

Strong concerns have been expressed that Roborough Day Hospital is to close its doors on the 21st of May. The Eastbourne landmark that serves the day-patient needs of many elderly people in the town is transferring its services to Homefield Place in Seaford.

Parliamentary campaigner Stephen Lloyd said: "I was contacted by a number of individuals who work at the Roborough Day Hospital saying how anxious they were at the closure and transfer. Many of the day-patients are very elderly and suffer from dementia. Staff have told me the journey time to travel to Seaford may put unnecessary stresses on them. I also want to know what will be done with the site now, apparently, the decision has been taken to close the Hospital. I am very concerned this decision may have more to do with raising money than improving services for unwell elderly people in Eastbourne and the surrounding area."

The Lib Dem Opposition Deputy leader on East Sussex County Council, Cllr David Tutt added: "I find it extraordinary that this decision has been taken. Only 18 months or so ago a lot of money was spent at Roborough refurbishing much of the premises with new carpets, new furniture, central heating and even PC's so it does seem incredible to me the decision has been taken to close the Hospital and transfer services. I am also aware the services for elderly people provided by Homefield Place are currently under review by East Sussex County Council, along with a number of other sites such as Milton Court in Old Town, so I will be seeking clarification as to how long the daycare services are to be provided at Homefield Place in future."