Why the Helen Ley centre can still be saved, by Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright

As many readers will be aware, the MS Society announced last month that due to a lack of funding the centre would be closing in January 2012, unless they receive a viable offer to take over the running of the centre.

We had a very constructive meeting, and I think it would be wrong to give up hope that a solution can be found to keep the centre open.

As the only multiple sclerosis-specific care home in the country, the Helen Ley Care Centre provides a vital service to members of my constituency and to MS sufferers nationwide.

The centre provides essential respite care to those suffering from multiple sclerosis, offering an environment that suits all lifestyles, and attends every need.

The benefit of a period of relief it provides to the patient’s family cannot be underestimated. I have witnessed first hand the extremely high levels of professionalism among the staff and the exceptional quality of care at Helen Ley.

Their commitment is even more commendable during a period of such prolonged uncertainty as is facing the centre at this time. It is imperative that every possible avenue is explored when trying to find a solution to how the centre may be saved, and how the MS Society can also benefit from the facility staying open.

The fight to keep the Helen Ley Centre open creates an opportunity to turn an already excellent resource into a truly outstanding one.

We should look at the prospect of not only offering high quality care to those with multiple sclerosis but also encouraging the centre to expand to help people suffering from other conditions.

I have expressed my clear view to them that I and those I represent expect every effort to be made to achieve a positive outcome. To achieve this, the MS Society may have to look beyond a purely financial case and balance its responsibilities to the charity commission against its reputation and the needs of the residents at the Helen Ley Centre.