Lawyers are challenging the decision to close Nascot Lawn Respite Centre in Watford to demand that the decision is overturned.
Irwin Mitchell’s specialist public law team are challenging the decision made by the Herts Valley and East and North Hertfordshire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to shut down the Nascot Lawn Respite Centre in Langley Road.
They have written to both groups arguing that the failure to consult the families affected is unlawful and that the closure is a breach of legislation including the National Health Services Act, the Equality Act and is a breach of the children’s human rights.
Alex Rook, Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s London office and representative for the families Alex Rook said: “The CCGs have failed to undertake a consultation with families before reaching this decision, which they say was taken in order to save over £650,000 per year.
“We believe that the CCGs have not properly considered their legal duties before reaching this decision, and our clients say that had they properly understood the impact it will have on these very vulnerable children and their families, the CCGs would likely not have made this decision.
“We have informed the CCGs involved of our concerns regarding their decision-making process and are determined to ensure that the families affected by this have their voices heard on the matter.”
Satnam Kaur’s, Bushey, 14-year-old daughter Gurpreet has used the facilities since she was a year old and currently stays at the centre for three nights a month for overnight respite.
Satnam said: “Nascot Lawn has been a hugely important part of Gurpreet’s life and she has built an incredible relationship and bond with the brilliant staff who have worked there over the years.
“It would not be possible for Hertfordshire Council to deliver respite services for my child without NHS support, because my child requires medical supervision to manage her chronic renal failure, tube feeding and medications among her other medical needs.
“We are certain that her needs cannot be met at any other centre in Hertfordshire. The service is so vital as Gurpreet loves it there, and it allows me a chance to spend quality time with my other children. Without it, I only worry that the family could reach breaking point.”
This article originally appeared in the Watford Observer
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