Issue - meetings

To approve a proposal to absorb the intermediate care provision currently provided at Netherfield Court into Lord Hardy Court and Davies Court.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Adult Care and Housing

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Roche (in advisory role)

Commissioner:         Myers

Consideration was given to a report which sought to absorb the intermediate care provision provided at Netherfield Court into Lord Hardy Court and Lord Davies Court and to consequently decommission Netherfield Court.

It was reported that on 14 March 2016 authorisation was given to commence consultation on a proposal to absorb the intermediate care provision currently provided at Netherfield Court into Lord Hardy Court and Davies Court. The proposal had estimated that £312,398 would be generated in service efficiencies, as well as allowing better deployment of other intermediate care therapy and social work resources. It was noted that the proposal had further strategic value for the Council as it would prevent the need for investment in Netherfield Court which was an ageing building.

It was noted that the consultation process had included affected staff, partners in the Rotherham Foundation NHS Trust and the Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group. Feedback from the consultation had highlighted the positive service at Netherfield Court and a need to ensure that the same or enhanced quality intermediate care services could be provided from the alternative locations. Overall, the consultation had not raised any issues which would change the recommendation to relocate the provision.

It was noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board had asked that consultation take place with the Carer’s Forum and Healthwatch in addition to staff and health partners. It had also commented that future consultations should, as a matter of course, involve professional bodies where changes are made to services with client users. The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board also requested that an update be provided to the Health Select Commission three months after implementation.

Commissioner Myers agreed:

1.    That the intermediate care provision at Netherfield Court be absorbed into Lord Hardy Court and Davies Court.

2.    That Netherfield Court be decommissioned in line with the agreed Council protocol.