Lawyers have been given permission to take the Nascot Lawn case back to the High Court.
Parents now say “everything rests” on the judge’s decision as they fight to save the respite centre for disabled children.
The news comes after Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (HVCCG) announced it intended to stop the £650,000 of funding it provides last year.
Hundreds of disabled children rely on the “lifeline” and their families were left heartbroken at the decision.
They enlisted the help of Irwin Mitchell solicitors and the case is due to be heard on February 6 and 7.
Angelina Murphy’s son Liam, eight, has Down’s syndrome, chronic epilepsy and seizures.
She is confident about the hearing.
“I was anxious to get the news, but it’s such a relief,” she said.
“Without this, I have no confidence anything will be done. But I am over the moon.”
Liam has been offered alternative care miles away, but Angelina says this is neither feasible nor appropriate.
“We want a competent respite nurse, a supported or led service ,which is safe for our children – that’s our ultimate goal.
“I feel like I’ve been prying teeth to try and get answers out of them.
“I’d have thought that as someone like Liam, who they say they are committed to finding him respite, they’d have wanted to settle us fairly quickly.
“Instead they’re not.”
Satnam Kaur, whose daughter, Gurpreet, 14, has complex needs, uses a wheelchair and has chronic renal failure, had her last Nascot night this week.
She says the CCG did not carry out a proper consultation on the closure.
“It’s affecting a lot of families now, both physically and mentally,” she said.
“Without respite on the horizon, we can’t see a break from caring at all.
“Everything rests on this court case now.”
In the meantime, as staff leave their roles as a result of Nascot’s uncertain future, there are no staff available to look after the children.
But this is not the first time the high court has granted permission for judicial review with regards to the Nascot Lawn case.
But days before a hearing was due to be held over the legality of the proposal last year, the CCG agreed to set aside its decision to stop funding.
The High Court quashed its decision and ordered the CCG to pay the legal costs.
But soon after, health bosses once again decided to withdraw the funding, putting the centre back at risk of closure.
Alex Rook, the partner at Irwin Mitchell’s London office who is representing the families, said: “We have said all along that HVCCG have misunderstood their legal obligations and failed to lawfully consult with those who will be severely impacted by the closure of Nascot Lawn. Families have been left with no alternative but to issue court proceedings once again.”
“We would again urge HVCCG to reconsider its decision and enter into constructive dialogue, bringing to an end the anger, frustration and uncertainty that families feel. The closure of Nascot Lawn would have a devastating effect on the community.”
Article originally appeared on Watford Observer
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