Agenda item

The report is attached.

Robyn Doran (Director of Operations, Central and North West London Foundation Trust) introduced the report and advised that there had been a healthcare needs assessment undertaken for the in-patients of Fairfield House and Rosedale Court with discussions taking place between patients, their carers and staff.  Around 22 of the existing in-patients were to be moved to more appropriate levels of care, whilst the remaining patients would be moved from Fairfield House to Rosedale Court as this was a better, more modern facility for active rehabilitation recovery model style care.  Members noted that this was a needs based programme being developed to improve health and wellbeing outcomes and was yet to be approved by the Central and North West London Foundation Trust Board.  The committee heard that there was a great diversity of care needs in each unit and the impact and risks as set out in the report were noted.  Robyn Doran advised that the anticipated financial impact to the local authority for the five patients being placed in supported care was approximately £182k per year.

Chris George (Advocate) was invited to address the committee.  Chris George acknowledged the shortcomings at Fairfield House including the fact that the facilities were outdated and he broadly welcomed the proposals.  However, he expressed concerns about the consultation with service users, whilst the transition arrangements were also going to be difficult and complex.  He stressed that arrangements for each patient must be decided on an individual basis as the needs of each varied considerably, with some of a challenging nature and careful planning would be required.

In response, Sarah Mansuralli (Deputy Borough Director, NHS Brent) advised that a risk assessment framework had been devised and engagement with all relevant stakeholders was taking place.  The risk assessment framework also addressed transitional planning and it was acknowledged that extensive consultation would be required.

Councillor R Moher sought further details concerning the timescale of the programme.  She commented that Fairfield House had a very traditional, institutionalised feel to it with large mix of patients with different needs and that it was not the most suitable facility for some of them.  However, there was some concern amongst both patients and carers at the speed of which the changes may be made.

During discussion by Members, Councillor Hunter stressed the importance of consulting at an early stage and she enquired whether the budget estimates for the five patients to be placed in supported care were realistic.  Councillor Cheese commented that a number of patients would be reluctant to change and that careful planning was needed to address this.  The Chair sought views as to whether supported housing would be available and be accepted by the users where this type of care would be proposed and she asked whether committee members could visit Fairfield House.

In reply to the issues raised, Robyn Doran advised that the next stage of the programme involved a six months consultation and it was envisaged that the next report to the committee would be presented around June 2012.  Organisations would be approached with regard to the possibility of some users being placed in supported housing.  She acknowledged that consultation could have begun at an earlier stage and welcomed Members to visit Fairfield House.

Alison Elliott (Director of Adult Social Care) advised that the council would work extensively with Central and North West London Foundation Trust and Brent NHS to ensure the most appropriate outcome for each patient and she indicated that the council should have been consulted earlier.  She also informed the committee that there were also budgetary considerations for the council and this would present certain challenges.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         that the progression of the proposal to improve patient care through a standard needs based assessment and placement process be noted; and

(ii)        that the subsequent but temporary closure of Fairfield House be approved, subject to the approval of the Central and North West London Foundation Trust’s Council of Members and Board, pending a thorough options appraisal to determine its future use.