Judicial Review To Be Held Over Plans To Close Vital Service

Campaigners are taking health bosses to the High Court in their fight to save a respite centre for disabled children from closure.

Specialist lawyers from Irwin Mitchell will argue that Nascot Lawn should remain open when they represent families who use the vital service at a Judicial Review. The hearing is due to take place on October 3.

The hearing comes after Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group announced it intended to close the NHS-funded unit in Watford. 

Families who use Nascot Lawn were informed only in June that the £650,000 funding for respite services operated at the centre would cease, despite the CCG actually making the decision six months previously.

A petition to keep the centre open has gained nearly 15,000 signatures and the issue has also been discussed in the House of Lords.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist public law team has launched a legal challenge against HVCCG after it refused to reconsider its decision.

Alex Rook, the Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s London office is representing the families affected.

Expert Opinion

We will be arguing that the CCG has misunderstood its legal responsibilities, including under the National Health Services Act and the Equality Act, and that its failure to consult with families affected by this decision also renders the closure unlawful.

“Nascot Lawn provides a vital lifeline for the children and their parents who use the centre. We are determined to ensure that the families affected by this planned closure have their voices heard on the matter. Alex Rook - Partner

Among the clients that Irwin Mitchell represents is Satnam Kaur, from Bushey, whose 14-year-old daughter Gurpreet has a range of complex needs and has used Nascot Lawn since she was one. She currently uses the centre for three nights a month for overnight respite.

Satnam said: “The fantastic staff at Nascot Lawn have built a real bond with Gurpreet over the years, not only providing incredible care for her but also important respite, allowing me to focus on her siblings when she stays over. This means that when Gurpreet returns home we as a family can be at our best to care for her.

“Without NHS support, Hertfordshire Council simply cannot deliver the level of care Gurpreet needs which includes medical supervision to manage chronic renal failure, tube feeding and medications.”

Emma Turner’s 10-year-old daughter Sienna Scott also uses the centre two nights per month.

Emma, from Hemel Hempstead, added: “If Nascot Lawn was to close it would have a devastating effect on our family and many families across the area.

“We hope that the court recognises the importance of needing to keep Nascot Lawn open for all those who use the centre.”

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