Cuts threaten future of HIV respite centre opened by Diana

Published on Tuesday 16 February 2010 09:03

A RESPITE centre for HIV sufferers that was opened by Diana, Princess of Wales, is being awarded a civic reception by the city council at the same time as its future is threatened by a massive cut in funding.

Milestone House was one of the first centres in the UK to offer specialist care to people with HIV and Aids and was officially opened in 1991 by the Princess of Wales as part of her campaign to break down the stigma of the disease.

The city council has agreed to hold a civic reception in the City Chambers to mark the 21st anniversary of Waverley Care, the charity that runs the Oxgangs respite centre. However, councillors have approved a plan to save 266,000 by shaking up the way care is provided.

Council chiefs are proposing withdrawing funding for Milestone House's eight remaining beds in order to instead focus on support at home and enhancing existing day care services.

But bosses at Milestone House – the only facility of its kind in Scotland – insist that a respite facility is needed for people who are victimised for having the disease.

Conservative councillor Jason Rust, who represents the ward that includes Oxgangs and proposed the motion calling for a civic reception, said:

"The effect of not having a respite service would be prolonged homelessness, greater hospital admissions and public health risks."

Under the council's proposals, it will no longer block purchase the eight residential beds at Milestone House – which would lead to it being shut down.

The UK government is currently predicting 10 per cent annual increases in HIV infection rates, while successful drug treatments mean sufferers are living longer.

David Johnson, director of Waverley Care, said: "The main issue is with those who don't want to spend time in their own homes because they are not supported. We don't have an argument with the need to maximise care at home; we agree, but there is also a group of people who if they don't have this facility will end up either spending more time in hospitals or isolated in their own homes."

Councillor Paul Edie, the city's health leader, said talks are continuing about funding.