East Lothian MS care home closure moves a step closer

Members of the MS Society endorsed plans for a shake-up of its respite care, which may include closing its four residential centres that cost it 2.7 million a year in subsidies.

Demonstrators assembled outside the society's annual general meeting at a hotel in north-west London to protest against the possible closures.

The centres include Leuchie House in East Lothian and others in York, Surrey, and Warwickshire. The MS Society plans to close the centres by the end of next year with the aim of offering more personalised forms of treatment and help members have holidays.

Members voted by two to one at the meeting in favour of its board of trustees' decision for the future of the society's respite care.

Yesterday a spokeswoman for the charity said: "We are pleased that members have voted in favour of the society's decision to update the way in which we provide respite care.

"The current four centres are excellent but are not used by the overwhelming majority of people with MS who need respite care.

"The votes today mirror those of the consultation that led to this decision and as such confirm the society is heading in the right direction for people living with MS.

"We will continue to seek alternative providers for the four centres we run and will do everything in our power to ensure that people who currently use this service continue to get the support they need."

A vote of no confidence in the board tabled by two members was lost, the spokeswoman said.

Campaigners fear closure of the centres rather than their adoption by other service providers is the more likely option because they have equipment, such as ceiling-mounted hoists, which is highly specialised.