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Shalder House consultation - Closed

The Shalder House consultation is now closed

Shalder House is currently used as a rehabilitation facility for people who have complex issues that primarily relate to vulnerabilities in terms of complex social or housing needs rather than social care needs.

Is the proposal to decommission the service a cost-saving measure?

During the service's last inspection by the Care Quality Commission, the service was considered to provide very good care, however, the fabric of the building was criticised.

While the care is good, it is not cost effective. There are currently 13 employees employed to deliver the service for a maximum capacity of 11 units. Since November 2010, 38 people received a service and their average length of stay was 49 days (seven weeks). Based on this average length of stay the occupancy has on average been at 51 per cent. When fully occupied the weekly cost of running a unit at Shalder House is £722 and this cost increases if occupancy is less than 100 per cent.

Do people in Medway still need the services offered by Shalder House?

Yes. We are consulting with referral agencies to ensure that the proposed closure will provide the best opportunity for care managers to practice their social work skills and effectively use the wide range of housing-related support and care services in Medway.

The wrap-around care required for the relevant service users will be provided by the relevant primary home care provider for that geographical area, relevant health professionals and there will e be nominated workers trained in enablement to ensure that the person moves on; either to their home, another suitable independent living setting, or where necessary a more formal care setting.

Is the council planning to sell the building?

Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the current proposal is that the site be sold.

How quickly will the decision be implemented?

Subject to the decision by cabinet, officers would use the call-in period to develop an implementation plan that considers the current and future needs of the resident service users.

What is a call-in period and why does it exist?

"Call-in" is a period of five working days following a decision by Medway Council's cabinet during which any six members of the council can refer a decision to the next meeting of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee for discussion. 

The relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee will discuss the decision that has been called-in and can either agree to take no further action (in which case the original cabinet decision takes effect) or to recommend a different course of action to cabinet. 

At the next cabinet meeting, the recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny Committee are presented. Then cabinet reconsiders its original decision. It either confirms it or agrees upon a different course of action other than that recommended by Overview and Scrutiny.

Shalder House consultation documents

The consultation ended on Thursday, 15 December, 2011.

 

For more information contact Adults and Children's Services Team by telephone: 01634 334466 / 24 hour emergency 0845 7626777 / TextRelay 18001 01634 334466 or by email: ss.accessandinfo@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Adults and Children's Services Team, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

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