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.