We wish to express our opposition to the inclusion of Connolly House in a council list of proposed care home closures.

Connolly House is South Tyneside's only dedicated dementia facility and was recently awarded three star excellent rating by the Care Quality Commission. As such it is a flagship institution within the authority and should be nurtured and valued, not closed.

It's difficult to know why Connolly House has been considered for closure, it is full, usually with a waiting list, and very highly appreciated in the borough for its work in assisting sufferers and their families with this random, totally debilitating and increasingly prevalent disease.

We are aware of the financial pressures on the council and believe considerable reductions could be made in current and projected capital and running cost expenditure. We would like to see the present excellent management given much greater financial control, and this increased autonomy is supervised by a voluntary, unpaid governing body of relatives of patients.

Please sign the petition below:

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