The Way Forward for the ‘model of care in the community’ known as Dunmuir Park Care Home

Tuesday, September 05, 2006 – Orginal Source
The families of all the present and future service users of the highly successful model of care in the Castle Douglas community known as ‘Dunmuir Park’ are pleased to report on the very positive meeting held last night in the Town Hall.  Chaired by the Council Chief Executive Phil Jones and supported by the Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Dumfries and Galloway Jeff Ace, the meeting agreed a way forward that secures the best interests of those that matter, the service users themselves, several being at the meeting.

No one underestimates the huge task now facing us all to take forward and develop over the next 26 years all that pioneering and innovative work of the highly committed Dunmuir Park care staff and the local Castle Douglas community since 1980.  But agreement to end the highly damaging uncertainty by rescinding the closure decision is welcomed.  As is the full review and study that will then be carried out by a wholly independent and leading expert in the learning disability field who will work together with all concerned, including the families and service users but without any pressure.  This will result in an agreed report that elected Members will be able to consider in the future.  It was said at the meeting that this represented a tremendous opportunity for Dumfries & Galloway to continue to offer to others a lead in this crucial area of care in the community, which is a big challenge for our society.

The families also wish to thank and pay tribute to the other officers and elected Members at the meeting, together with our local MP and MSPs, all of whom contributed very helpfully and positively to the meeting and its outcome in a wholly non partisan and non political way.  This clearly demonstrated the concern of all present that it was the welfare, well being and wishes of the most vulnerable among us that is paramount and that we must get that right for their sake.  We all now look forward to taking matters forward and realising the future they deserve.

This is a statement by the DPPG but we believe it will be shared by all present.