Hastings MP gives assurance that Government will not ‘sell-off’ the NHS when she visits local care home

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Members of the ‘League of Residents’ at Hastings Court care home welcomed back Sally-Ann Hart MP after her initial visit ahead of the general election in December, when the home invited all of the candidates to come in.

The League of Residents meets twice a week at the home on The Ridge to discuss political and social issues.

Long-time Labour voter, David Lee, one of the League’s 12 members, enjoyed a lively discussion with Ms Hart and while they have different political views, David said he was genuinely pleased to see her again. When she arrived she came straight towards me saying, “I’m so pleased to see you, I need to talk to you,” said David. “I asked Sally-Ann if she and her party would be selling off the NHS and she said there was no way they would do that. We spoke for 15 to 20 minutes and she assured me that everything we’d discussed back in December would be fought for in Westminster.

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“I told her I would be watching and she said she wouldn’t have it any other way! It was lovely to talk to Sally-Ann again, she’s very down to earth.”

Hastings Court offers person-centred residential, nursing, memory and respite care for up to 80 people. Staff made sure all those who wanted to vote in the recent election were able to. Some of the residents used a postal vote and a number were taken to the polling station either by taxi or minibus.

The League of Residents was established by lifestyles assistant, Dan Peacock. With a combined age of 906, members’ interests and opinions have been re-invigorated by the opportunity to discuss issues of the day.

“While reminiscence has a hugely important role to play in the lives of older people they are still involved in today and what’s going on around them,” said Dan. “Members have commented to me that because of the League they’re talking about things they never knew they were even interested in! They’ve realised that they have a voice – and they can use it.

“They still have a say in important decisions for our society. The League have decided they want to organise a fundraising campaign for the Salvation Army next and have already invited a member of the organisation in to find out how best to go about it.”

“There’s nothing we don’t discuss,” said League member, Daisy Drew. “Trump, religion, comedy, social issues, family – a lot of stuff I hadn’t thought about before but now I wish I had.”

The League recently wrote to the prime minister demanding better support for those living in residential care homes.

“The League, and all the residents at Hastings Court, are my constituents so their priorities are my priorities,” said Sally-Ann Hart. “It’s only by talking to them I will learn how to become an MP for everybody. It’s been wonderful to come back and see everyone and know that now I will be able to take their views forward. I’m already looking forward to coming back and talking to them again.”