The family of a Gorleston woman who appealed the decision to keep her in a Bungay care home has been given a month to find her alternative care.

Christine Lee, 75, was sent to All Hallows care home for a 28-day assessment last August following a stay at James Paget University Hospital.

One year later, Ms Lee remains at the care home.

She and her family appealed the decision made by Norfolk County Council and NorseCare.

Ms Lee, who still has a residence at St Augustine's Place housing with care scheme in Gorleston as well as a room at All Hallows, had been told that she wasn't able to return home as her "needs were particularly high". 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Ms Lee has now been told her contract of care with All Hallows is being cancelled. Picture - Bruno BrownMs Lee has now been told her contract of care with All Hallows is being cancelled. Picture - Bruno Brown (Image: Bruno Brown)

Her family has argued that Ms Lee's care needs have not changed since before she went to hospital last year, and she should be able to return to a more independent life at her residence at St Augustine's.

On Monday, August 14 Ms Lee received a 28-day notice of a cancellation of contract from NorseCare, effectively evicting her from All Hallows and leaving her without care if she returns to St Augustine's.
 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: NorseCare operates 21 residential homes in the region. Picture - NorseCareNorseCare operates 21 residential homes in the region. Picture - NorseCare (Image: NorseCare)

A NorseCare spokesperson said: “We take our responsibilities as care providers very seriously and strive to ensure residents receive the best care. 

"In very rare cases such as this one, we feel it is in the resident's best interest to be supported in a new home which is better equipped to meet the resident's and relatives' needs.

"There are many factors involved when considering such steps, and we always work closely with the family and local authorities before making final decisions. We fully appreciate the upset this may cause. These are not choices we make lightly.

"We hope to work with the family and the local authority to make sure her transition to an appropriate new care placement is as swift and as smooth as possible, and we will continue to provide full care and support whilst this happens."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Ms Lee said she wants to return to a more independent life at her sheltered accommodation at St Augustine's Place in Gorleston. Picture - GoogleMs Lee said she wants to return to a more independent life at her sheltered accommodation at St Augustine's Place in Gorleston. Picture - Google (Image: Google)

Ms Lee has been living with multiple sclerosis for 25 years and requires assistance with personal care and getting in and out of her wheelchair.

Her daughter Linda Taylor argues that Ms Lee's needs haven't changed since before she was sent to All Hallows. 

Ms Taylor said when her mother was living at St Augustine with 24-hour access to care via a call bell, she was able to live more independently and go to the shops and visit friends and family.

Ms Taylor said: "Mum didn't want to go to Bungay. She's lived in Great Yarmouth all her life.

"She just wants to come home to St Augustine's like before."

A Norfolk County Council spokesman said: "We are sorry to hear that NorseCare has had to serve notice to a resident. We have been in prior and ongoing contact, offering them alternative residential care homes, as we seek to offer a choice of long-term care whenever possible.

"We will reach out to the resident again, and we will also offer them independent third-sector support and advice as we recognise that it is important in any movement into residential care to find the right placement to manage someone’s assessed care needs."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Christine Lee (right) with her granddaughter Amelia outside St Augustine’s Place. Picture - SubmittedChristine Lee (right) with her granddaughter Amelia outside St Augustine’s Place. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)

Ms Lee said her quality of life has been affected while living at All Hallows.

"I just want to go home," she said. 

"I'm missing my friends and my sister. No one takes me out here, and I'm stuck in my bed or the chair all day.

"I feel very lonely.

"Nothing has changed. I don't need any nursing or anything like that. The only thing is, I can't walk. But that's been the case for 25 years.

"It just feels like I haven't been listened to.

"I just want to go home."

The ongoing dispute has also drawn interest from JR Information and Monitoring Group, which had previously campaigned against the council for changes to its disability support which ended in a High Court ruling.

A petition launched by Ms Lee's family to help her return to her Gorleston home with a suitable care package has gained almost 600 signatures.

To see the petition, visit www.change.org/p/care-for-christine