SIR: The closure of a private nursing home in the North West region, at 24 hours notice clearly illustrates the dangers of reliance on private provision for the care of vulnerable members of the community. At obvious detriment to their well being, infirm people have been rehoused without warning, and loyal dedicated staff have been made redundant. Those councils, including New Labour councils that have privatised residential care facilities, and have consciously placed people in non-statutory residential establishments need to re-think such policies if further distress is to be avoided.

Roger Bannister,

UNISON National Executive Council (Personal Capacity)

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