Decision details

On 21 October 2014 Cabinet took a decision to consult on the future of six in-house residential care homes for older people. In this report, the Cabinet will be asked to consider the consultation responses. Recommendations will be put forward for each home and a decision will be sought on the future of each home.

1.     That the decision to close residential care provision by Surrey County Council at Brockhurst be approved. 

2.     That the decision to close residential care provision by Surrey County Council at Cobgates be approved.

3.     That the decision to close residential care provision by Surrey County Council at Dormers be approved.

4.     That the decision to close residential care provision by Surrey County Council at Longfield be approved.

5.     That the decision to close residential care provision by Surrey County Council at Park Hall be approved.

6.     That the decision to close residential care provision by Surrey County Council at Pinehurst be approved.

7.     That a phased implementation programme to move people to alternative services be undertaken, which must take account of best practice and be guided by individual assessments of those affected, including carers.

8.     That suitable alternative services for each affected person in those homes closing be identified.

9.     That further work be undertaken for each property to fully evaluate potential alternative use to meet future needs for adult social care.

10.  That a full staff consultation begins, with the objective, where possible, of retaining existing staff skills and knowledge. 

Reasons for Decisions:

After analysing all the consultation responses received and comments made in the individual meetings during the consultation period, and the council’s review of services, the reasons for closure of the provision of in house residential care homes for older people are:

·        The physical environment of the homes is not fit for purpose and cannot easily or quickly be made so. The poor quality of the environment impacts on the quality of care that can be offered.

·        The demand for residential care for older people is changing as is their preference, with support, to continue living at home. Optimum occupancy cannot be achieved in any of Surrey County Council’s six older peoples residential care homes due to the building limitations, which in part leads to low occupancy and higher staffing levels. This makes the continued delivery of services unsustainable.

·        It will remain difficult to accept the range of referrals and complexity of need being presented unless the current facilities are significantly upgraded to the modern standards identified for dignified care delivery. To complete the required level of works, residents would need to temporarily relocate, potentially meaning two moves at least, if they were to return to the refurbished home.

·        Residential placements made by the council in the independent sector make up 91% of the total funded placements by the council. Surrey is fortunate in having a diverse independent care sector offering quality services. The council has an ongoing relationship with the sector to ensure responsiveness to commissioning intentions. In the last year the council has placed 263 people in residential care and 857 in nursing care in independent sector provision. It has had high utilisation of its 905 block placement residential care beds. Investment in the council homes refurbishment does not compare favourably with commissioning existing alternative provision in the independent sector.

·        A phased approach, based on individual assessment and plans, enables time to ensure appropriate alternatives are identified for each individual and carers, and to work with the independent sector market in a managed way.

·        Employees within the homes are recognised as delivering a good quality of care in challenging environments. There has been investment in their training, and there is a wealth of skill and experience. The council will support staff to explore opportunities, seeking to retain skills and experience.

Should a decision be taken to close a home, any future use of that asset for Adult Social Care or the local community will need to be carefully assessed.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by Adult Social Care Select Committee]