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Protesters try to save MS respite care centres MS charity respite home closure protest vote fails
(about 3 hours later)
Protesters have gathered outside the AGM of a multiple sclerosis (MS) charity to protest over the closure of respite care centres. A motion of no confidence in the leadership of a multiple sclerosis (MS) charity over the closure of respite care centres has failed.
The residential centres in York, Surrey, Warwickshire and East Lothian face closure if they are not taken over by other organisations.The residential centres in York, Surrey, Warwickshire and East Lothian face closure if they are not taken over by other organisations.
The MS Society says its reviews aims to give patients and carers "more choice and control".The MS Society says its reviews aims to give patients and carers "more choice and control".
A vote of no confidence in its board has been tabled at the AGM.
The centres offer day-care and holidays for MS sufferers.The centres offer day-care and holidays for MS sufferers.
Guests can take part in group activities and outings, while carers are reassured by the presence of round-the-clock nursing.Guests can take part in group activities and outings, while carers are reassured by the presence of round-the-clock nursing.
The MS Society says 1,385 people stayed at the centres in 2008/9 - but it estimates about 30,000 people need respite care.The MS Society says 1,385 people stayed at the centres in 2008/9 - but it estimates about 30,000 people need respite care.
It says more than 20 organisations have expressed an interest in taking over the centres.It says more than 20 organisations have expressed an interest in taking over the centres.
But campaigners fear closure is more likely, because the centres have equipment - such as ceiling-mounted hoists - which is highly specialised for MS patients.But campaigners fear closure is more likely, because the centres have equipment - such as ceiling-mounted hoists - which is highly specialised for MS patients.
Sue Tilley, who has had MS for 36 years, and is a former MS Society Trustee, said the homes were worth the money. Sue Tilley, who has had MS for 36 years, and is a former MS Society trustee, said the homes were worth the money.
"It really is extremely important. For many it's the specialised care that they get. Our homes only cater for people with MS so they're with staff that understand exactly what their problems are, they don't have to explain what the problems are to any of the other guests," she said."It really is extremely important. For many it's the specialised care that they get. Our homes only cater for people with MS so they're with staff that understand exactly what their problems are, they don't have to explain what the problems are to any of the other guests," she said.
"They are expensive. It costs the society £2.7m a year in the subsidy, but we've known this for years. Respite homes are different to long-stay homes and they do cost money, but that's what people give money to the society for.""They are expensive. It costs the society £2.7m a year in the subsidy, but we've known this for years. Respite homes are different to long-stay homes and they do cost money, but that's what people give money to the society for."
The MS Society has praised the professionalism and dedication of staff and volunteers at the centres.The MS Society has praised the professionalism and dedication of staff and volunteers at the centres.
But it says a more flexible approach is needed as the current service only helps around 4% of members. It wants to offer more personalised forms of treatment and give money to members to arrange their own holidays.But it says a more flexible approach is needed as the current service only helps around 4% of members. It wants to offer more personalised forms of treatment and give money to members to arrange their own holidays.
It also says because the locations of the centre, they're hardly ever accessed by patients from Wales and Northern Ireland.It also says because the locations of the centre, they're hardly ever accessed by patients from Wales and Northern Ireland.