Residents win right to judicial review

The
families of four residents of Llanfrechfa Grange Hospital in Gwent,
south Wales, were granted permission last week to seek a judicial
review of the health authority’s decision to close the long-stay
unit and move residents with severe disabilities into
community-based care.

High
Court judge Mr Justice Forbes ruled that the families’ complaints –
including that there was no adequate assessment of the
psychological impact of the move on residents – were
“arguable”.

Lawyers
for the families told the court that Gwent health authority had not
given due regard to the wishes of residents before resolving to
close the home. But Gwent insists it carried out full consultation,
in accordance with government guidelines.

The full
hearing of the case is expected in early December.