To consider and comment on the outcome of the consultation into the future of Westlands Older Persons Home in Leighton Buzzard and make recommendations to a future meeting of the Executive.

The Head of Service for MANOP introduced a report that set out the consultation process that had been undertaken into the future of Westlands Older Persons Home, including the options proposed, the replies received and the Council’s response to these.  The Council’s preferred option stated in the consultation was to re-provide the capacity at a new purpose-built facility nearby.  The Council had acquired land in Hockliffe Road, Leighton Buzzard for this purpose and was approaching the market to deliver a new home on the site.  The report also contained an update on this process and how the outcome of the consultation and the outcomes of the procurement would be connected.

Because of this, the proposal for residents of Westlands Older Persons Home differed from previous proposals as decisions on the future of the home would be made over a year before a replacement home was ready.

There had been consideration of the suggestions made by some residents, families and staff to refurbish or rebuild the current facility, however, it was considered this was not a viable option because of the significant investment required and disruptive effect on residents.  When a new home is nearing completion, staff would be consulted on the options available to them.  The MANOP Team had used all its learning from previous care re-provisions in the current process.  A ‘You Tube’ video featuring the support, commitment to residents and life for residents in a new facility had been well received.

A Member considered the new site lacked the outlook over the park and closeness to the amenities of the town centre that the Westlands Home site enjoyed and supported the redevelopment of this facility. The MANOP Head of Service advised that few residents were able to leave the home and make use of the surrounding amenities and that the modern facilities and daytime activites on the new site would be of more benefit.

The consensus was to support the proposal that would see better facilities for residents and new day facilities.

RECOMMENDED the Committee:-

1.    Recognised the comments of residents and relatives and the Committee is also aware of the need to modernise our care homes.  It also had regard to the management of the re-provision process including the way in which close contract and communication was made with residents, relatives and staff and the lessons learnt from past closures.

2.    Is of the opinion that the Council should move ahead with the proposal to build a new modern home being the best option taking account of professional advice.

3.    Notes the day facilities to be integrated into a new home.

4.    Expects the Council to keep in close contact with residents, relatives and staff as the process develops.