Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

1.    That current residents were supported to move to alternative services and appropriate alternative arrangements be made for those who use the short break service at Hillside.

2.    That a full staff consultation begins with the objective of redeploying and retaining existing staff and their skills and knowledge.

3.    That Hillside be closed and care and support no longer be provided from this site.

Reasons for Decision:

The existing building does not meet the standards or expectations of a modern care environment. The limitations of the building do not enable people to be cared for as they age and their health and social care needs potentially increase.

Local commissioners from Adult Social Care who have oversight of services for people with learning disabilities have advised that they will no longer support new people to move to or receive short term care and support at Hillside. This is because it does not offer what is now considered to be a modern care and support environment for people with a learning disability. The commissioners, as part of their ongoing work, also look at emerging demands for services and where these services need to be located. This work includes looking at the demand for short break services. 

The short break service is critical to a number of families in the Camberley area and the nearest other short break service is in Staines. If people moved to this service they would not be able to continue with their work, day care, clubs, church or other activities during a short break stay. This would have a significant impact on their wellbeing. Commissioners have advised that there is not enough demand in the Camberley area to commission a new stand-alone residential based service that only provides a short break service. This means that alternative appropriate short break services need to be found in the Camberley/Surrey Heath area for the current individuals who receive short breaks at Hillside.

Commissioners have also advised that there are providers who are willing to work with SCC to develop long term care options and short break services for individuals who currently use Hillside, for example Surrey Choices have stated they are willing to target the recruitment of shared lives carers in the Camberley area.

As part of any future commissioning arrangements the quality and regulatory history of the service and provider will be assessed to ensure that individuals are supported in environments that provide good quality care and support.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) produced in June 2017 updated guidance for new services for people with learning disabilities called ‘Registering the Right Support - CQC’s policy on registration and variations to registration for providers supporting people with a learning disability and /or autism’. This guidance has had a considerable impact on the type and locations of services that CQC will register for adults with learning disabilities. 

There was considerable contact with the CQC during 2018 to seek their view on the possibility of providing a new service that would allow  ...  view the full decision text for item 45

The Cabinet Member for Adults & Public Health presented a report which explained that Hillside currently provided a range of services including residential care, short term breaks and emergency placements to people with learning disabilities. Hillside no longer met the standards or expectations of a modern care environment for adults with learning disabilities.  It was important that remaining residents received the best care and would be better provided for closer to their families. 

The Deputy Cabinet Member for Property explained that a full option appraisal for the vacant site would be forthcoming.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Support explained that previous residents were now receiving care in her area and were participating in community life.  She also passed on thanks to the Area Director of Service Delivery for the work he had undertaken in reassuring families of residents.

RESOLVED:

1.    That current residents were supported to move to alternative services and appropriate alternative arrangements be made for those who use the short break service at Hillside.

2.    That a full staff consultation begins with the objective of redeploying and retaining existing staff and their skills and knowledge.

3.    That Hillside be closed and care and support no longer be provided from this site.

Reasons for Decision:

The existing building does not meet the standards or expectations of a modern care environment. The limitations of the building do not enable people to be cared for as they age and their health and social care needs potentially increase.

Local commissioners from Adult Social Care who have oversight of services for people with learning disabilities have advised that they will no longer support new people to move to or receive short term care and support at Hillside. This is because it does not offer what is now considered to be a modern care and support environment for people with a learning disability. The commissioners, as part of their ongoing work, also look at emerging demands for services and where these services need to be located. This work includes looking at the demand for short break services. 

The short break service is critical to a number of families in the Camberley area and the nearest other short break service is in Staines. If people moved to this service they would not be able to continue with their work, day care, clubs, church or other activities during a short break stay. This would have a significant impact on their wellbeing. Commissioners have advised that there is not enough demand in the Camberley area to commission a new stand-alone residential based service that only provides a short break service. This means that alternative appropriate short break services need to be found in the Camberley/Surrey Heath area for the current individuals who receive short breaks at Hillside.

Commissioners have also advised that there are providers who are willing to work with SCC to develop long term care options and short break services for individuals who currently use Hillside, for example Surrey Choices have stated they are willing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45