Issue - meetings

To consider a report prepared by the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on proposals relating to the closure of The Willows, Macclesfield.

The Committee considered a report on the proposed closure of The Willows, Macclesfield.

The Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) had notified CWP of a reduction in income and in order to manage this reduction had worked with CWP to evaluate all services commissioned by the PCT and provided by CWP.  All services had been reviewed using the same criteria and, using this prioritisation process, it was proposed that The Willows be closed.  

The Willows offered day services to patients already under the Care Programme Approach (CPA) of a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).  The service was provided to up to 115 patients in and around Macclesfield and was not accessed by service users from other areas.  The services offered included social skills training, computer literacy and horticulture and the operation of a small print workshop, all of which were offered in conjunction with external agencies.  All the services offered were available through other agencies such as the Council and service users would be supported to access these services.  Service users had been advised of the potential closure at an early stage to enable them to access courses starting in September if they wished.  The building belonged to the Council.

The proposed closure had also been discussed at the Cheshire East Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 

RESOLVED:  That the proposed closure and alternative arrangements for service users be noted.