To consider the outcome of the recent consultation on the future of The Birches Older Persons Home, Shefford and to decide on the future operation of the home.

1.         That the outcome of the consultation on the future of The Birches Older Persons Home be noted.

2.         That the closure of The Birches Older Persons Home based on the details set out in the report, its appendices and background papers be approved.

3.         To authorise the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing to determine the date of closure of The Birches Older Persons Home taking into consideration the assessed eligible care and support needs of residents of the home along with relevant operational matters.

4.         That the commencement of the processes, set out in paragraphs 70 to 72 in the report, in relation to the staff employed at The Birches Older Persons Home be approved.

5.         To note that that Oak Manor, operated by MHA satisfies the Council’s ‘Due Diligence’ requirements as set out in paragraphs 41 to 44 and Appendix 7 to the report.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing that presented the outcome of the recent consultation on the future of The Birches Older Persons Home in Shefford and sought a decision on the future operation of the home. 

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing explained that the relocation of residents from Caddington Hall and Greenacres Older People Homes had been a success and residents were now experiencing a better quality of life.  Drawing on the lessons learned from the closure of these homes, the Council had established an enhanced approach to ‘due diligence’ in assessing the suitability and sustainability of new care home providers entering the local market.

In response to questions, the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing explained that the home would only be closed when everything was in place for the residents, following the assessment of their care and support needs.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to improve the quality of accommodation for the current residents at The Birches Older Persons Home.

RESOLVED

1.         that the outcome of the consultation on the future of The Birches Older Persons Home be noted;

2.         that the closure of The Birches Older Persons Home based on the details set out in the report, its appendices and background papers be approved;

3.         to authorise the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing to determine the date of closure of The Birches Older Persons Home taking into consideration the assessed eligible care and support needs of residents of the home along with relevant operational matters;

4.         that the commencement of the processes, set out in paragraphs 70 to 72 in the report, in relation to the staff employed at The Birches Older Persons Home be approved; and

5.         to note that that Oak Manor, operated by MHA satisfied the Council’s ‘Due Diligence’ requirements as set out in paragraphs 41 to 44 and Appendix 7 to the report.

The decision was unanimous.

To consider the future of The Birches Older Persons Home in light of the outcome of the public consultation processes.

The Director introduced a report regarding the future of the Birches Older Persons Home that included the outcome of a consultation process.  Residents had received offers of alternative accommodation including an offer at the Oak Manor Care Home in Shefford.  Officers had ensured that lessons learnt from earlier care home re-provisions had been implemented and an enhanced approach to ‘due diligence’ in assessing new care providers entering the local market had been completed.

The Development & Commissioning Manager advised that consultation feedback recognised staff at the Birches were highly valued by residents and relatives and in previous home closures staff had transferred to work in other areas of the Council. Support to staff would continue as required.  Members were also reassured the transition of residents to their new homes would be managed properly and sensitively

A Member raised a concern regarding GP provision for residents moving to Oak Manor in light of which the Development and Commissioning Manager confirmed current GP arrangements would remain in place for residents

RECOMMENDED that the Committee

1.    Is satisfied that the consultation process had been thorough and had followed the established principles set down for effective consultation.

2.    Supported the Executive recommendation for the closure of The Birches and the relocation of residents to Oak Manor as being the best way to provide up to date facilities based on the generally very favourable comments from residents and relatives.

3.    Welcomed the now developed protocol for assessing the suppliers of care places in new homes.

Expected the Council to ensure a smooth move to Oak Manor to safeguard the health and well being of those residents of The Birches moving there.