Visits cuts ‘could cost lives of the elderly’

East Riding Council looks set to stop checks on Lifeline warning systems in thousands of homes from August. Residents can use the systems to call for help.

The council has carried out a £223,000 upgrade of the equipment which it says can now be remotely tested – but this will mean some people losing their only social contacts.

Rachelle Wilkins, regional officer for the GMB, said staff had been called to a meeting in Hull next Tuesday June 14.

She did not rule out industrial action saying: “There are no ifs and buts, jobs are at risk. I will be consulting my members with regards to what course of action to take. She added: “The wardens get to know people individually and get to know when they are not themselves.

“It doesn’t take much for them to go downhill fast. What it will do it will leave them vulnerable. There are going to be fatalities, like it or not.”

Veteran campaigner Mick Pilling, who lives on the Pasture Lane estate in Bridlington, and receives a monthly visit from the wardens, said: “I think it is absolutely diabolical. It is another kick in the teeth for the elderly. Without the visits some people aren’t going to see anybody.”

The council says wardens looking after people in sheltered accommodation, representing 50 per cent of the service, will not be affected. Lifeline alarm calls will still be answered.

In a statement Lauraine Walker, head of business management, said outdated units were being replaced. She said: “A number of units which had exceeded their operational lifespan are in the process of being replaced. This will mean that all of the equipment in use in the service is technically up to date, can self check and can support Telehealth equipment, such as blood pressure testing etc.”