THE news that a unit in Wisbech's North Cambs Hospital could close has sparked confusion among people who use Rowan Lodge.
Consultation on the unit, which serves older clients with mental health issues, is due to start in the next few weeks and if the plans go ahead, Rowan Lodge will be closed permanently to in-patients.
Readers contacted the Citizen to say Rowan Lodg
e had already closed its doors to in-patients, who were being sent to the purpose-built Cavell Centre in Peterborough.
They said they were unhappy with the distance to Peterborough, with one letter stating: "People who could pop in twice a day won't be able to do this."
They also praised the staff at Rowan Lodge and said people with mental health problems need stability.
Karen Bell, chief executive of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation Trust (CPFT), explained the closure of Rowan Lodge had happened due to a lack of patients, as it is not feasible to open for one or two people.
Although this has happened, the public consultation is still going ahead and the closure is not necessarily a done deal.
Mrs Bell said: "We don't feel it's right for Rowan Lodge to wither on a vine. We want to consult with the public."
She said the CPFT want elderly people to be able to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, as unfortunately once they are hospitalised, many never return and move into residential or nursing homes.
To make this happen, community services have been enhanced and existing day services will continue to run at North Cambs.
People who need a higher level of care will go to Peterborough.
