Petition launched to save Lorne Campbell Court care service

The petition text warns that the loss of the service would be a “direct threat” to vulnerable residents, citing research that suggests comprehensive care helps older adults maintain independence and reduces hospitalisations.

The HSCP has previously argued that the service is underutilised, with only four residents recently reported as receiving full care packages. 

Officers suggest that these residents could be supported via standard care-at-home packages or moved to Kintyre Care Centre, allowing staff to be redeployed to the overstretched local home care service.

However, Councillor Kean argues that occupancy snapshots do not tell the full story.

“The value of this service cannot be measured solely by occupancy at one moment in time,” she said. “It provides stability, dignity and reassurance that those with significant needs can remain within their own community.”

She also raised concerns about what she described as a lack of clarity around eligibility for enhanced care places.

“Despite repeated requests for clarification, the eligibility criteria remain unclear,” she said. “Residents are entitled to clarity about how decisions are made; confidence in the system depends on openness and trust.”

The proposal has also reignited concerns regarding the closure of the Auchinlee Care Home several years ago. At that time, the enhanced care service at Lorne Campbell Court was presented to the community as a vital part of the future local model of care.

“The community remembers clearly the commitments made when Auchinlee was closed and the enhanced care service at Lorne Campbell Court was established,” said Councillor Kean. “For many, this proposal feels like a further erosion of those commitments.”

Councillor John Armour, who was involved in those original discussions, said he remains “unconvinced” by the HSCP’s current rationale.

“The premise then was that creating a care service would ensure that Kintyre residents would not have to move out the area for care,” said Councillor Armour. “Something I fear would now happen if the cut goes ahead.

“Having spoken directly to relatives and to staff, I know how much Lorne Campbell Court does for the wellbeing of all those who live there.”

Councillor Armour said he had met with the HSCP chief executive and other officers to argue the case for retaining the service and had raised his concerns with council colleagues on the Integration Joint Board (IJB).

“Despite these meetings I remain unconvinced that closing the facility at Lorne Campbell Court is the right thing to do,” he added. “Therefore, I fully support anything that can be done to help convince the HSCP board not to cut this vital service.”

Councillor Tommy Macpherson said he left a meeting of the IJB in late January feeling “deeply concerned” that the region’s health and social care is being driven by “crisis budgeting rather than long-term community need”.

He said: “The discussion focused heavily on cuts, borrowing and financial pressures, with too little attention given to carers, workforce sustainability, or the real-life impact on local people.

“I fully support the petition to protect enhanced care at Lorne Campbell Court. Safeguarding dignity, independence and local provision for older people in Kintyre must be a priority – not an afterthought.”

The HSCP faces a projected three-year shortfall of £18 million. Other options currently on the table include the potential cancellation of the wider responder service, cuts to disability services, and the ending of community transport funding.

The petition urges the IJB to “reconsider and reject” the proposal, stating: “By maintaining the enhanced care service, we honour our commitment to care and uphold the dignity of our elderly population.”

A series of public consultation drop-in sessions were held in February to gather feedback from the community. If the proposal is approved on March 25, a transition period is expected to follow, during which residents and families would be consulted individually on new arrangements.

Visit c.org/NtCdMH9fHm to view the online version of the petition.