Benjamin Court: Demonstrations planned over centre's closure

Last month, Norfolk County Council closed the doors of its facility in Benjamin Court in Cromer.

The centre, which provided temporary care for patients leaving hospital, was closed as part of plans to provide more of this service in the home.

Martin Booth, of the North Norfolk Trade Unions Council. Picture: Martin Booth (Image: Archant)

But the decision has proven divisive, with critics arguing that the same environment can not be created in the home and that patients would suffer.

Now, a protest has been organised to oppose the move, urging council officials to reconsider the closure.

Martin Booth, secretary of the Norfolk Norfolk Trade Unions Council, said: "It is clear people feel very strongly that there needs to be this type of rehabilitation service in north Norfolk.

"So many people have told us how much of a difference Benjamin Court made to their relatives' lives."

Since the closure of the centre, almost 300 people have signed a petition against the decision.

Mr Booth added: "There is a real feeling in north Norfolk that we are at the back of the queue when it comes to health services.

"As a stepping stone for people coming out of hospital, this service feels vital for some people."

Plans for the closure were revealed earlier this year, as part of a move that council officials say will allow more people to be cared for on the way out of hospital.

They say that since the service was established, more options have become available through the NHS, reducing the need for a council-led facility.

Alison Thomas, cabinet member of adult social care, said: "Our reablement service is continuing but we are moving to home-based, rather than in-patient based model.

"This means we can support about 1,500 more people this year."

The protest will be held on Wednesday, July 19 from 10am at the junctions of Roughton Road and Norwich Road in Cromer.