Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services on the outcome of the consultation undertaken in respect of eight Council owned residential care homes for Older People and seeking approval of the recommendations arising from the findings of the consultation.

(Please note that due to the considerable size of the appendices to this report, the appendices are provided in a separate pack for consideration).

Further to Minute No. 182, 15^th February 2013, the Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report on the outcome of the consultation undertaken in respect of eight Council owned residential care homes for Older People and which sought approval of the recommendations arising from the findings of the consultation. In addition, the report also provided responses to the respective deputations presented to the 1^st July 2013 Council meeting regarding Manorfield House and Primrose Hill Care Homes.

As part of the introduction to the report, the Executive Member for Adult Social Care acknowledged and thanked all of those who had taken part in the wide ranging consultation exercise and together with the Director of Adult Social Services, provided further information and assurances around the sensitive and considered approach which would be taken when dealing with those affected by the decisions made at today’s meeting.

Following the introduction, the Board then discussed and received responses to the following key points:-

·  It was noted that the submitted report had not responded specifically to the deputation presented to the West (Outer) Area Committee on the 10^th July 2013 regarding the future of Musgrave Court;

·  A Member highlighted the need to ensure that there were sufficient levels of specialist dementia care provision available in Leeds, and emphasised that suitable intermediate care provision needed to be provided to those affected by any changes, as and when they occurred;

·  Emphasis was placed upon the need for Adult Social Services to work jointly with City Development via the Local Development Framework process, in order to ensure that there was sufficient care provision available in the long term;

·  The importance of mixed economy of Adult Social Care provision in Leeds was highlighted, along with the need for individuals to be cared for within their own community wherever possible.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the very extensive and wide ranging consultation undertaken be noted and that all contributors be thanked for their thoughtful and helpful comments which have informed the recommended outcomes.

(b)   That the commitment and process which will be followed to ensure all people affected by the adoption of the recommendations are provided with comprehensive care planning and support in identifying appropriate alternative provision, be noted.

(c)   That the implementation of the following proposals for the long term residential care homes be agreed, namely:

  (a)  To close Amberton Court, Burley Willows, Fairview and Musgrave Court (see paragraph 8.2, Table 2 of the submitted report).

  (b)  To agree that Suffolk Court be re-designated over time to offer transitional care, with the objective of eventual conversion as a specialist clinical intermediate care centre (see paragraph 8.5, Table 3 of the submitted report).

  (c)  To agree that Manorfield House and Primrose Hill remain open (see paragraph 8.5, Table 3 of the submitted report) to provide residential care for existing residents but with no new admissions and will close:

•  when no longer required by existing residents;

•  if the health and wellbeing of the remaining residents cannot be maintained;

•  should alternative new residential care provision become available within the ward

•  in response to changes in registration requirements or legislation

  (d)  Approve the commencement of dialogue with interested community groups and stakeholders with regard to future use of Home Lea House.

(d)   That approval be given to the implementation process for the transfer of residents that will involve a dedicated social work team applying the Assessment and Closure Protocol and Care Guarantee to ensure a person centred approach to minimise the impact caused by adopting the recommendations.

(e)   That approval be given to decommissioned buildings, within areas of low supply, being declared as surplus to requirements and demolished in order that the sites, where suitable, can be considered for the provision of specialist housing for older people.

(f)   That suitable alternative sites within areas of low supply be considered for the provision of specialist housing and care for older people.

(g)  That as part of this process, officers be authorised to take appropriate steps to secure appropriate partners to exploit development opportunities for specialist housing and care provision.?

(h)   That the proposed disposal options in respect of all the facilities, as set out in the submitted report, be agreed.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor A Carter required it to be recorded that he voted against the matters included within this minute, whilst Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the matters included within this minute)