A HEALTH chief has paid tribute to former Calderstones residents' ability to adjust to life in the community.

Russ Pearce, chief executive of Calderstones NHS Trust, said more than 150 residents with learning disabilities were resettled in the past year.

He told the trust board's annual meeting: "It is a constant source of inspiration to me when I witness the successes of our clients.

"Former residents of Calderstones are now invited into neighbours' homes, join in neighbourhood watch schemes and receive holiday postcards from people in their community.

"These things represent a huge difference to those who have been segregated from society for many years."

During 1996/97 the trust's developments included the growth of community-based services for 35 people living in their own homes in various areas across the North West.

The trust also opened a specialist treatment unit for up to 20 people in Rochdale and developed a new self-advocacy and supported employment scheme in Trafford, Greater Manchester.

Mr Pearce said future challenges included the closure of the long-stay residential service in March 1999 and continued development of specialist services both at the Whalley site and in the community.

Finance director Bernard Flynn said the trust finished the year in a "solid financial position" with a surplus of £449,000.

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