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Letters to the Editor
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Birdsgrove House
What is happening at Birdsgrove House?
From Mr E. P. Crabtree, MRPharmS
Last October I had to have an operation. When I was fit enough to travel,
I got in touch with Birdsgrove House, hoping to be able to stay there
for a period of convalescence. I was informed that Birdsgrove House was
closed for alterations but I would be told as soon as a reopening date
was known. Since then, silence.
Colleagues I have spoken to have had similar experiences. Even enquiries
through members of Council have failed to get much more information,
except that the building was being altered to comply with recent legislation
regarding access for the disabled.
Birdsgrove House is an asset collectively owned by the membership. Surely
the members have a right to know what is going on. The cost of all the
alterations will, no doubt, eventually be made known in the Treasurer’s
annual report but there are many other questions I would like answered.
When will Birdsgrove House reopen for members requiring convalescence?
What has happened to the excellent staff, who used to work there? Will
future visitors have to pay increased fees to cover the cost of the building
work?
Philip Crabtree
Huddersfield
I fear that the fate of Birdsgrove House will go unnoticed
From Mrs M. Partington, MRPharmS
I have benefited, in the past, from restful breaks at Birdsgrove House
and recently recommended its facilities to a stressed pharmacist friend.
I was surprised and embarrassed by the response to her telephone call — Birdsgrove
House is not available for rest and recuperation.
Incredulous at this information I scanned recent issues of The Journal.
In the 11 December 2004 issue (p870), pharmacists were reminded that “the
Royal Pharmaceutical Society ’s convalescent home is at their service” and
up to 5 February (p162) Birdsgrove House was presented as a “convalescent
and rest home for pharmacists and their immediate relatives”. After
this date a deafening silence.
Among the spate of letters about the retention fee, June
Jenkins (PJ,
9 October 2004, p517) queried whether retired members would still be
able to use the facilities of Birdsgrove House. It now seems that, in
fact, none of us is able to do so. Is this a permanent decision? Have
I missed something?
I believe the rehabilitation unit for alcohol and drug dependency is
doing good work, as well as generating more income than the convalescent
section. When this unit opened considerable disquiet was expressed that
it would eventually take over the premises completely.
There has been no indication so far that members are aware of this situation.
I fear that in the current preoccupation with membership fees, continuing
professional development and the new contract, the fate of Birdsgrove
House will go unnoticed, and it may be assumed by the management that
there is no interest in its convalescence facilities.
Margaret Partington
Bristol
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A full response from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, in the form
of an article, will appear next week.
— EDITOR
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