Lift threat to evict Esme, 103 - Minister

Esme Collins has been told she must leave Abbeymoor Nursing Home in Worksop, Notts, after 10 years because the owners want an extra 100 a week to look after her, said local council officials.

The great grandmother was assessed as needing residential care. But she should have nursing care, a more expensive service for more dependent residents, said home owner Mark Sutters. Bassetlaw Primary Care Trust should pay the extra.

Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis said he was ‘shocked’ and the dispute should be ended now. Local health and council bosses must ensure the threat of eviction is lifted immediately, he said.

“Under normal circumstances I would not and cannot intervene in individual cases. However this is so shocking I feel obliged to act.

“Neither Mrs Collins nor her family should be expected to cope with this anxiety for a minute longer. Whatever the difficulties, such treatment of a 103-year-old cannot be tolerated in a modern care system which has dignity and respect for older people at its heart.”

Nottinghamshire County Council strategic director David Pearson said: “We share his concerns. It has always been our intention to resolve this matter as quickly as possible in the best interests of Mrs Collins.”