Agenda item

(a)  That consultation be undertaken with key stakeholders on the strategy for future commissioning of residential care.

(b)  That residential and nursing care be commissioned in line with procurement guidelines and legislation following consultation to align with current and projected demand.

(c)  That consultation be undertaken with residents of Gurney House their family members and other key stakeholders on the future of that service.

(d)  That a market testing exercise be undertaken to explore the possibility of selling Gurney House to an organisation that would also provide a remodelled service on the site.

(e)  That following consultation on the future of services currently provided by BUPA at Gurney House, a  report be presented to Health Scrutiny Panel in November for comment and to Cabinet in December 2012 for decision.

The Cabinet was provided with a report regarding the proposals for the future commissioning of residential and nursing care for older people in Slough, including implications for the current service provision.  Members were advised that this was Phase 2 of the programme of work and phase 1 had already been completed.  Phase 1 had included a number of key initiatives including provision of a new purpose built residential and nursing care services in the 120 bed facility at Oak House; development of Extra Care Services at Northampton Place and the Pines, providing 126 self contained flats with on-site care and support; and the enhancement of intermediate care services.

It was noted that there had been a clear reduction in demand for residential care, whilst the number of patients falling into the ‘elderly mental health’ category (EMH) had increased.  In addition projected needs data indicated an increase of approximately 10% in the number of people in Slough with dementia.  The Cabinet was advised that future commissioned services must reflect these changing patterns of need.

The Cabinet was requested to approve consultation of the strategy for future commissioning of residential care and the services provided at Gurney House.

Resolved: -

(a)  That consultation be undertaken with key stakeholders on the strategy for future commissioning of residential care.

(b)  That residential and nursing care be commissioned in line with procurement guidelines and legislation following consultation to align with current and projected demand.

(c)  That consultation be undertaken with residents of Gurney House their family members and other key stakeholders on the future of that service.

(d)  That a market testing exercise be undertaken to explore the possibility of selling Gurney House to an organisation that would also provide a remodelled service on the site.

(e)  That following consultation on the future of services currently provided by BUPA at Gurney House, a  report be presented to Health Scrutiny Panel in November for comment and to Cabinet in December 2012 for decision.