Protest planned at Sheffield Town Hall over plans to close last dementia respite centre

Hurlfield View in Gleadless, which provides respite for carers and emergency beds for people living with dementia, is set to close next month.

The decision to close the centre came after the NHS Health & Social Care Trust ended their contract two years early due to funding issues.

Sheffield Council then took the decision to move to their longer term strategy for dementia care earlier than originally planned within the community and away from centres.

However, the union Unison will now stage a protest outside the Town Hall at 1pm today after thousands signed a petition calling on the council to keep it open.

The council's decision has proved hugely unpopular for families who use Hurlfied View and the issue has also been raised in the House of Commons by Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh.

Campaigners have warned that the closure of the centre will result in a loss of expert staff as well as 20 beds, increasing Sheffield's £900m problem of bed blocking.

A motion to suspend the closure and discuss the proposals at cabinet on Wednesday, February 1, was voted down 48 to 32 confirming the Hurlfield View will close as planned.