Agenda item

Agenda item

The Future of The Birches Older Persons Home: Outcome of Consultation and Recommendations

 

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

 

Minutes:

 

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.

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