Shame of the last days of Overdale

Wednesday 10th January 2007, 12:00AM GMT.

ELDERLY Islanders ended their lives in run-down, dilapidated wards because the Health Department ‘did not spend a cent’ on Overdale, according to a scrutiny sub-panel.

Publishing a report into the closure of the States-owned nursing home today, the panel argue that the Léoville and McKinstry wards – described in evidence as ratty, depressing and undignified – needed to be closed because of the outdated and unacceptable conditions. After the publication of the report this morning, panel members spoke of the neglect that Overdale had suffered in recent years. Panel chairman Anne Pryke said: ‘The closure was the only option because of the condition of the wards. It should not have been allowed to get to that.’

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