THE number of respite beds at Mardy Park purpose-built resource centre has been reduced because of a drop in demand reports LESLEY FLYNN.

But Monmouthshire County Council, which owns the facility, was quick to stress that there would be no reduction in the number of beds for long-term residents, which will remain at five.

Head of Adult Services, Julie Boothroyd said the number of respite beds was six and that will be reduced to two, a process that has already started because of the fall in demand for places. She said when the closure of the four beds is complete the remaining two will be moved from that wing into the residential wing of the centre. Talks are ongoing between the council and health professionals to look at ways of using the redundant wing for a range of services to meet their needs of local people. The centre will continue to provide 84 places for day care patients, seven days a week.

She added: "Monmouthshire County Council has previously stated that it is reviewing the services delivered from Mardy Park Resource Centre in the north of Abergavenny.  Mardy Park provides an excellent and well valued service. It delivers a range of services including day care, long term residential beds and a respite provision. Over recent years use of the respite beds has been below registered capacity. So we propose to reduce beds and remodel the current service.

 "We have produced a vision for the future of Mardy Park as a health and social care hub for older peoples' services in the north of the county.  This will enable space at Mardy Park  to be  used to develop new service provision.  As part of the review, all people who regularly use respite are being reviewed to determine their exact needs and circumstances. It is anticipated that  people's needs will continue to be met at Mardy Park although other options will also be available.

 "A number of older people are long term residents at Mardy Park.  It is important to stress that there are no plans to change these arrangements.  We are planning to  continue providing  residential care for these people at Mardy Park."