A Stourbridge respite centre for ill children has been closed after an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea ‘posed a clinical risk’ to patients.

Families of the 17 children who regularly use The Willows, Amblecote, now face being forced to find alternative accommodation miles away.

The Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is responsible for The Willows and NHS Dudley sent local children to the facility.

The two NHS bodies have released a joint statement concerning the closure.

“On the June 24 we suspended admissions to The Willows, a two-bedded short breaks centre in Stourbridge for children with complex health and social care needs.

“We have managed issues associated with the poor fabric of the building for some time in order to maintain a safe service.

“However, a recent outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea has presented a clinical risk.

“Whilst this has been dealt with, we are no longer confident that this might not pose a future clinical risk.

“Therefore we have suspended admissions whilst we review the facility and options for future provision.”

Sue Marshall, director of children, young people and families at the Trust said: “We know this is upsetting news for the families who rely on the service at The Willows.

“This decision was not taken lightly and we are doing our upmost to put alternative arrangements in place as a matter of urgency.

“However, it is our duty to ensure that we provide care in a setting that is fit for purpose.”

Dr Steve Cartwright, managing director for NHS Dudley added: “We made this decision with our partners on Friday after reviewing the infection control risks associated with the premises.

“We felt that the risks were far too great to support the Willows remaining open.”

However, despite the upheaval faced by local families the NHS have promised respite remains a priority.

Dr Cartwright added: “We are not removing the funding for this service as we recognise the invaluable benefit that respite care gives to these families, I know that there will be disappointment amongst the users of this service but our focus must be on patient safety at all times.”

Jane Robinson, from Dudley, has been taking her daughter, who suffers from cerebral palsy, to The Willows for seven years.

She said: “We are very distressed about the closure of The Willows because the staff and children who use it have become like family.

“Just looking for a new respite home is a nightmare because they are all so far away, I know there were complaints about The Willows but I thought the staff did a great job.”