Women leave hospital despite legal action
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THREE ELDERLY mentally handicapped women were last night being moved out of a hospital that had been their home for several years, despite last minute legal moves to halt the transfer.
Hours after being asked for an undertaking not to move the women without the approval of the Official Solicitor and Social Services, the patients, one aged 80, were getting ready to be transferred to another hospital 15 miles away.
Powys NHS Trust said the move would make more effective use of resources as well as being better for the women.
The move from Brynhyffryd Hospital, Forden, in Powys, to Llys Maldwyn Hospital, Caersws, which will allow the Nightingale Ward to be closed, was being carried out despite protests by social services, lawyers, a psychologist and nurses.
Luke Clements, a solicitor appointed by the Crisis Advocacy Team in Powys, Mid Wales, to act for the women had earlier in the day tried to get the Official Solicitor to halt the move on the grounds that it was a danger to their health. 'A clinical psychologist, a therapist and nursing staff have all indicated that the health of the three ladies may well suffer with a transfer,' he said.
'We have been trying to contact the official solicitor. It is clear that the move is not in the interests of the three ladies and may well be contrary to correct policy and a danger to their health.'
Powys social services say there is a risk to the health and welfare of the women in the move, including disorientation, increased confusion, fear and loneliness. Social services wanted the women to stay in Nightingale Ward until a resettlement plan had been worked out for them. The women are the last remaining patients in the ward and their transfer will allow it to be closed. The hospital too is scheduled for closure.
The trust spokeswoman said: 'The Trust Board based its decision on the best long-term interests of the individuals concerned. The move will also mean a more effective use of resources.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments